Balsam: For Priests, Kings and Everyday People ~ Six Interesting Facts

Balsam or balm has been very important since ancient times. 

Here are six (6) interesting facts.

(1)- Balsam was an ingredient in the anointing oil of the Jewish priests.

(2)- The Queen of Sheba brought balsam as a gift to King Solomon.

(3)- Ishmaelites were traders who sold slaves, spices, myrrh, and balm (or balsam).

(4)- Common names for the balsam tree are the balm of Gilead, balsam of Gilead, and balsam of Mecca.

(5)- The Greek term balsamon means “fragrant oil”.

(6) - Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, and Turks all prized the balm of Gilead. But the fact is, it was precious and highly valued by everyone because of its healing qualities.

• Image credit: ‘The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon’...by Edward Poynter via Wikimedia Commons

DID YOU KNOW?

"Balm of Gilead, known also as the Judaean balsam, grew only around the Dead Sea Basin in antiquity and achieved fame by its highly reputed aroma and medical properties but has been extinct in this area for many centuries. The resin of this crop was sold, by weight, at a price twice that of gold, the highest price ever paid for an agricultural commodity. This crop was an important source of income for the many rulers of ancient Judea; the farmers' guild that produced the balm of Gilead survived over 1,000 years."  (Source)

"Balsam was counted among the renowned perfume and incense plants, like myrrh and frankincense, that grew in restricted habitats. The plant grew wild in Arabia. Its great importance stemmed from its rarity; only in Judea and in the oases of Jericho and Ein Gedi did it grow as a cultivated plant, as noted by Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE): 'But every other scent ranks below balsamum. The only country to which this plant has been vouchsafed is Judaea.' " (Source)

Want to know more?  Here are a few additional references.

• Medicinal Herb Info: Balm

Balm has long been valued for its calming, digestive, and medicinal properties—such as acting as a sedative, antispasmodic, and antiviral herb—while also featuring in folklore and historical remedies believed to promote longevity and well-being. 

Essential Oils: Balsam Fir

Balsam fir is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to North America.  It has been widely valued for its fragrant resin and wood, traditionally used for medicinal purposes, adhesives, and especially as a popular Christmas tree due to its scent and long-lasting needles.

History of Perfumery

The article traces the evolution of perfumery from ancient religious rituals to modern fragrance chemistry, highlighting how early cultures used aromatic materials—especially balms.  In ancient cultures, balms were aromatic, resinous preparations—often derived from myrrh, balsam trees, and other fragrant plants—used for body care, religious offerings, medicinal purposes, and home fragrance, where incense burned continuously.

• Medicinal Uses of Balm of Gilead

Balm of Gilead is a resin-based herbal remedy, typically made from poplar tree buds, that is commonly prepared as an ointment, oil, or salve for medicinal use. It is mainly used to soothe skin conditions like burns, rashes, and eczema, and to relieve pain and inflammation due to its natural aspirin-like compounds. 

Image credit

T is for Throwback Thursday and Tulips

Happy Thursday!
In some social networks or communities, people participate in something called “throwback Thursday”. Ever heard of it? It’s when you share a memory (or something that provokes a memory) of something way back or a throwback to your past.

Most of the time my shares are music videos. But I found this lovely photograph on Tumblr. Photographer Ellen Ericsson shared a picture of tulips.

How is it a throwback?
Well! We enjoy lovely springs here in Austin, Texas, and a myriad of flowers can be seen everywhere. But the tulips are a throwback to when we lived in Maryland. Used to work in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. If you want to work in an environment that will toughen you up and make you see the world as it really is, then D.C. is the place to get a job. It will make you wise to the ways of the world.

But let’s not get off-topic.

Springtime in D.C. is also beautiful because of the cherry blossoms. People even plan their vacations around the blooming of the cherry blossoms. They are glorious!

But springtime in Maryland, in the town of Damascus where I lived (1988 – 1995), will always be remembered because of the gorgeous tulips. Many of my neighbors loved to plant tulips in the garden – all different colors. They were magnificent!

Thank you, Ms. Ericsson, for this awesome throwback.

You made my day!
Pink Tulips | Photography | Ellen Ericcson

Enhance home décor with timeless Italian elegance!
Bormioli Rocco Vinciana Flower Vase
Modern cut-glass design, scalloped edges, & a beautifully flared silhouette — perfect for fresh blooms or decorative accents. 🌸 https://t.co/Yr710LrA1d #Gifts for newlyweds, new homeowners,… pic.twitter.com/hQ6oJw5dZz

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) April 16, 2026

🌸 Soft curves. Bold presence. Pure O’Keeffe.
Bring timeless elegance into your space with Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Pink Tulip, 1926.” @AllPosters #iconic #art #artprints
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#GeorgiaOKeeffe #PinkTulip #ArtLovers #HomeDecor pic.twitter.com/EA5WBEkxDf

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) April 16, 2026

(Republished from partner blog.)

Fringed Mariposa Lily: A Rare Wildflower Most People Have Never Heard Of

Calochortus fimbriatus, sometimes called the Fringed Mariposa Lily, is a little‑known wildflower native to the Santa Ynez Mountains of California.🌼 

• FUN FACT:  The petals of this flower are covered in tiny, silky hairs that actually glitter in the sunlight — almost like the flower is dusted with gold.  These hairs aren’t just for show; botanists believe they help attract specific native pollinators by reflecting light in a way that makes the bloom stand out in dry, rocky habitats.  It’s one of the reasons hikers sometimes describe spotting it as “finding a jewel in the chaparral.”

• Image credit: Elliott, Jack. “Calochortus Fimbriatus, Rare Wildflower.” Jack Elliott’s Santa Barbara Adventure, 27 Jul. 2014, https://yankeebarbareno.com/2014/07/27/calochortus-fimbriatus-rare-wildflower/.

Most people have never heard of it. It’s rarely seen because it grows in limited, rugged habitats and blooms only under the right seasonal conditions. Its fringed petals and striking yellow‑and‑brown coloration make it look almost unreal.  (REF:  yankeebarbareno.com)

• Grows in the wild — not a cultivated garden flower**
• Extremely localized — found only in a small region
• Unknown to most people — overshadowed by more famous rare flowers
• Visually stunning — the kind of bloom you’d never guess exists until you see it

**On the plus side: You can grow the Fringed Mariposa Lily (Calochortus fimbriatus) in a home garden, but it’s not as straightforward as typical ornamentals. It’s a specialty bulb that needs conditions similar to its native California chaparral. If you can mimic those, it will reward you with spectacular blooms.

Gardening Advice and Tips:

🌱 It can be grown in a home garden, but only if you can provide the right climate and soil conditions.

Calochortus species are famously picky. They thrive in dry summers, mild wet winters, and fast‑draining soil. If your climate is similar to coastal or inland California, you’re in great shape. If not, you can still grow it in containers with more control.

🌼 What it needs to survive

1. Mediterranean-style climate

• Wet, cool winters
• Hot, dry summers
• No summer irrigation once bulbs go dormant
  If you live somewhere humid or rainy in summer, containers are the safer option.

2. Excellent drainage

This is non-negotiable.
Think rocky, sandy, gritty soil — the kind water runs through instantly. Heavy soil will rot the bulbs.

3. Full sun

They need bright light to bloom well.

4. Dry summer dormancy

After flowering, the plant dies back completely.
You must stop watering during this period.

5. Protection from overwatering

Most failures come from too much moisture.

🌿 Grow in the ground or in a pot?

In the ground — good if:

• You live in California or a similar climate
• You have naturally sandy or rocky soil
• You can guarantee dry summers

In a pot — better if:

• Your summers are rainy or humid
• Your soil is clay or loam
• You want to move the plant to a shelter during dormancy

CHECKLIST!

• Grow it in containers
• Use cactus or alpine soil mixes
• Keep it dry after flowering
• Avoid fertilizing (they prefer lean soil)

🌸 Is it beginner-friendly?

NO!  (Just keeping it real. 😁)

It’s moderately difficult, but not impossible. If you succeed, you'll have bragging rights!

🌼 GUESS WHAT??  IT'S EDIBLE!🌼 

The Fringed Mariposa Lily (Calochortus fimbriatus) is considered edible, but with important context.**

🌱 What part is edible?

Across the Calochortus genus, the bulbs are edible. This is documented in botanical references that group Calochortus fimbriatus with other mariposa lilies whose bulbs were traditionally eaten by Indigenous peoples. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council

🍽️ How were they traditionally used?

• Eaten raw or boiled
• Sometimes used as a survival food (famously, Sego Lily bulbs helped Mormon settlers during famine)
  Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council

⚠️ Important cautions

Even though the bulbs are technically edible, there are reasons not to harvest or eat them today:

1. Calochortus fimbriatus is a rare, California‑endemic species
   It has a conservation status of 1B.3 (rare, threatened, or endangered).
   Eating or digging up bulbs would harm wild populations.
   Calflora

2. Wild harvesting is ecologically damaging
   Removing bulbs kills the plant outright.

3. Identification risks
   Many lilies are toxic; misidentification can be dangerous.

🌼 Bottom line

• Edible in principle (bulbs), based on genus‑level documentation.
• Not recommended to eat — especially C. fimbriatus, which is rare and protected.

But if you have to choose between starving AND surviving, ...(Just keeping it real. 😁)

• NOTE:  In my family, my late mother had the green thumb.  Her plants and flowers always made the yard at my childhood home look amazing.  Whenever I get an opportunity to share info about flowers and plants, I post the content in memory of my mom.

**

Additional Reading:

Hodsdon, Edward. “The 25 Rarest Flowers in the World.” Petal Republic, 30 Jul. 2022, https://www.petalrepublic.com/rarest-flowers-in-the-world/.

Santillo, Susan. “12 Rare Flowers That Are Almost Impossible to Find.” Plantisima, 19 Mar. 2025, https://plantisima.com/rare-flowers-that-are-almost-impossible-to-find/.

Moulton, Madison. “29 Rare Flowers With Names and Pictures.” Botanicalinterests.Com/Community/Blog, 11 Apr. 2025, https://www.botanicalinterests.com/community/blog/rare-flowers/.

Green, Jennifer. “24 Rare American Flowers (That May Not Be Around Much Longer).” Positivebloom, 6 Mar. 2025, https://positivebloom.com/rare-american-flowers-that-may-not-be-around-much-longer/.

Artists I Fancy : Succulents (Canvas) by Oliver Gal at Gilt (Plus Gardening Tips)

Succulents (Canvas) by Oliver Gal at Gilt

via Joie de Vivre Magazine on Pinterest

~ Source PIN URL: http://ift.tt/2vanppG

NOTE: Oliver Gal is not a single artist, but a female‑founded art studio based in Miami, created by sisters Ana and Lola Sánchez. They produce contemporary, fashion‑inspired wall art, often featuring bold colors, glam themes, and pop‑culture motifs. Their work spans canvas prints, hand‑embellished pieces, abstract art, and decorative objects.  They’ve become widely distributed through retailers like Gilt, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Amazon, and Wayfair.

SUCCULENTS ARE BEAUTIFUL BUT ...

Succulents are plants that store extra water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to survive in dry or unpredictable climates. They come in many forms—from tiny stone-like Lithops to towering baobab trees—and make up roughly 3–5% of all flowering plants. Their defining trait is water storage, which lets them thrive in environments where many other plants cannot.  (REF:   British Cactus and Succulent Society)

---

🌱 Are succulents good for the environment?

Short answer: They can be—but it depends on how they’re grown, sourced, and used.

Below is a breakdown of the environmental benefits and concerns, based on current research.

---

🌍 Environmental Benefits

• Water efficiency
  Succulents use far less water than traditional garden plants. Some need only 1–2 ounces per week, compared to several gallons for other species. This makes them excellent for drought-prone regions and water conservation efforts.  (REF:   shunwaste.com)

• Climate resilience
  Their drought tolerance and ability to store water make them valuable models for adapting agriculture and landscaping to climate change. They can help maintain greenery in increasingly arid environments.  In other words, they can be very eco-friendly.  (REF:  cactusandsucculents.co.uk)

• Ecosystem support
  In their native habitats, succulents provide food, shelter, and water for animals, especially in deserts where resources are scarce. Their fruits help with seed dispersal and support biodiversity.  (REF:  cactusandsucculents.co.uk)

---

⚠️ BUT! There Are Some Environmental Concerns ⚠️ 

• Overharvesting and habitat loss
  Some succulents—especially rare cacti—are illegally collected from the wild, threatening species already at risk of extinction.  (REF:  Oxford Academic)

• Carbon footprint from global trade
  The booming popularity of succulents means many are shipped long distances, increasing carbon emissions.  (REF:   shunwaste.com)

• Invasive potential
  Certain succulents can become invasive when introduced outside their native range, disrupting local ecosystems.  (REF:  New Phytologist)

• Soil degradation
  Overharvesting wild plants can damage fragile soils and lead to erosion.  (REF:  shunwaste.com)

---

🌿 So… are succulents environmentally friendly?

They are environmentally friendly when:

• grown locally or ethically sourced
• used to replace water-intensive landscaping
• planted in appropriate climates
• not taken from the wild

They are harmful when:

• poached from natural habitats
• mass-produced with heavy resource use
• shipped globally in large volumes
• allowed to spread invasively

Succulents are adaptation champions, but like any trend, sustainability depends on responsible choices.

---

I don't have a green thumb.  But if I ever own a home, I'd like to have a garden and want to know what the best flowers and plants are to grow.  Succulents are good for indoors or outdoors.  To learn more, do additional research on eco-friendly succulents and how to grow them sustainably.

Flowers in Scripture That Refer to (or Symbolically Foreshadow) Jesus Christ 🌸

Spring is the time of the year for flowers, and in particular, the months of March and April celebrate Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for humanity.  The Bible contains many flowers and images of flowers that are used directly or symbolically in connection with Jesus Christ.  Behold the beauty of Christ.

1. Lily

Biblical references:
Song of Solomon 2:1–2; Hosea 14:5; Matthew 6:28–29

Connection to Christ:
In Song of Solomon, the beloved is compared to a lily. While the original context is romantic poetry, Christian interpretation has often seen the Bridegroom as a type of Christ. In Hosea 14:5, God says of restored Israel, “He shall blossom like the lily,” which many Christians read as pointing to the Messiah’s purity and beauty. Jesus Himself references lilies when teaching about God’s provision, which believers connect to His own divine care.

Symbolic themes: purity, beauty, divine provision.

2. Rose / Rose of Sharon

Biblical reference:
Song of Solomon 2:1

Connection to Christ:
The text says, “I am the rose of Sharon,” spoken by the bride or bridegroom, depending on interpretation. Christian theology has historically applied this to Christ as the fairest, most beloved, and most fragrant among God’s people.

Symbolic themes: loveliness, uniqueness, the beauty of the Messiah.

Flowering Plants or Blossoms Used as Messianic Imagery

These are not always “flowers” in the modern gardening sense, but Scripture uses imagery of blossoming and botany to describe the Messiah.

3. The Branch That Blossoms

Biblical references:
Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12

Connection to Christ:
These are explicit messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus. While they do not name a specific flower, the imagery is botanical and often pictured as a flowering branch. Jesus is the righteous Branch from the line of David and Jesse.

Symbolic themes: new life, kingship, restoration.

4. Almond Blossom

Biblical reference:
Numbers 17:8

Connection to Christ:
Aaron’s rod miraculously “sprouted, put forth buds, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.” Early Christian readers saw this as a type of Christ’s resurrection—life springing from what was dead. Almond blossoms also appear in the design of the lampstand (Exodus 25), which many connect to Christ as the Light of the World.

Symbolic themes: resurrection, priesthood, divine election.

5. Blossoms on the Vine

Biblical reference:
John 15:1

Connection to Christ:
Jesus says, “I am the true vine.” While the passage does not explicitly mention flowers, a vine naturally produces blossoms before fruit. The image emphasizes that all true spiritual life and fruitfulness flow from union with Christ.

Symbolic themes: spiritual life, fruitfulness, union with Christ.

Summary

Category	Flower / Plant	Scriptural Basis	Connection to Christ
Direct floral imagery	Lily	Song 2:1–2; Hosea 14:5; Matthew 6:28–29	Purity, beauty, divine care
Direct floral imagery	Rose / Rose of Sharon	Song 2:1	Beauty, belovedness
Flowering prophetic imagery	Branch (blossoming)	Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12	Messiah, kingship, restoration
Flowering prophetic imagery	Almond blossom	Numbers 17:8	Resurrection, priesthood
Botanical metaphor	Vine (implied blossoms)	John 15:1	Life-giving union and fruitfulness in Christ

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:

• Brown, Raymond E. The Birth of the Messiah. Doubleday, 1993.
• Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
• Ryken, Leland, et al., editors. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. InterVarsity Press, 1998.
• Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

Thank you for visiting. B.O.B. (Blessings on Blessings.)🌸 

Joie de Vivre's Home and Garden Blog Posts Roundup!

Part of everyone's joie de vivre (joy of living) has to do with simply decorating one's home, apartment, or living spaces.  It doesn't take much money to make yourself happy.  You know you better than anybody else, so it should be easy to tap into your own psyche.  I tapped into mine and ended up writing these blog posts.  Somebody else might appreciate my home and garden blog posts.

Image credit:  Tools to Design a Virtual Room on Amazon

H&G Tips From Joie de Vivre Magazine:

Buying a Home: Ever Fantasize About Having a Celebrity Neighbor?

Dreaming of Your Dream Home?

Is the Sunroom Your Favorite Room in the House?

Does Your Favorite Room Have a Name?

Ideas for Improving the Harmony and Balance of Your Home or Office

Transplant Flowers to Cure Homesickness

(More blog posts about flowers)

Christianity: Symbolism of the Palm Tree in Scripture

The palm tree carries deep symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, and many of its themes point beautifully to Jesus Christ and the life He gives.

1. Righteousness and Flourishing

Key verse: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.” — Psalm 92:12

The palm stands tall, straight, and evergreen, symbolizing enduring righteousness. Christ, the perfectly righteous One, fulfills this image completely. Believers flourish in Him just as a palm thrives even in harsh conditions.

Themes: steadfastness, purity, spiritual vitality.

2. Victory and Triumph

In the ancient world, palms symbolized victory and were awarded to champions.

Connection to Christ: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds waved palm branches (John 12:13), proclaiming Him as the victorious King.

Themes: kingship, triumph, messianic identity.

3. Peace and Welcome

Palm branches were used in celebrations and joyful processions. When the people laid palms before Jesus, they offered Him honor, peace, and a warm welcome.

Themes: hospitality, joy, celebration of the Messiah.

4. Fruitfulness in Harsh Conditions

The date palm thrives in desert climates by drawing water from deep underground. This makes it a symbol of life in barren places—a fitting picture of Christ bringing life where there is spiritual dryness.

Themes: provision, sustenance, life-giving presence.

5. Uprightness and Integrity

The palm grows straight upward, unlike many trees that twist or bend. This became a symbol of moral uprightness, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the One without sin.

Themes: holiness, moral clarity, divine perfection.

6. Resurrection and Eternal Life

Because palms remain green year-round and can live for centuries, they became symbols of immortality. Early Christians used palm imagery on tombs to proclaim the resurrection hope found in Christ.

Themes: eternal life, resurrection, hope beyond death.

7. Heavenly Worship

In Revelation, the redeemed stand before the throne with palm branches (Revelation 7:9). This echoes Jesus’ triumphal entry—now with His victory fully realized.

Themes: worship, final victory, redeemed humanity.

Hosanna Palm Leaf

Sources:

• Ryken, Leland, et al., editors. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. InterVarsity Press, 1998.
• Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
• Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• My original content republished from: Treathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinner, “Trees Deserve Respect.” Wizzley.Com, 25 Jul. 2013.

PALM TREES

Palmae Family

The Arabs say that "The palm tree has 360 uses".  Sorry.  I don't have the list to share with you.  But I will share what I know. 

In ancient times and perhaps even today, the branch from a palm tree symbolized peace and victory, success, or celebration. Palm trees are very easy to recognize.  They are tall, slender, with no branches.  Instead of branches, on top of the trunk is a crown of spreading plumes. 

Most people associate palms swaying in the breeze with a tropical environment like Florida or The Bahamas.

While others think of the date palm tree that grows in the Middle East.  Its fruit is part of the daily diet of millions of people.  The date can be eaten fresh or dried; incorporated as a key ingredient in a myriad of recipes; and the tree sap can be made into syrup or wine.  Jericho, which is in the Jordan Valley, has a tropical climate, and is known for its lush palm groves.  Once it has reached maturity, this tree can yield fruit for 100 years. 

Wherever they grow, if you see a palm tree, breeze or no breeze, it is hard not to be captivated by its striking beauty.

Learn more:  How to Identify Species of Palm Trees

Thank you for visiting. B.O.B. (Blessings on Blessings.)🌴

Floral Diversity: Home and Garden: Gardening Recommendation for Those Who Love Red

Red is my favorite color, and when I see flowers like the one in the image below, it's my favorite color even more! This heart-shaped flower is called Anthurium. They grow in other vibrant colors; not just red. It is also known as Laceleaf. They bloom all year long. If you plan to add these to your garden here are a few tips. 

"Caring For Anthurium Growing In The Garden Or Home"

"Anthurium is one of the most popular houseplants. Attractive to look at, easy to look after, and brings with it a real personality into the home, which gives a serene feeling in white, whilst the brightly coloured varieties have a lively appearance. Although most people think that the coloured part is the flower, it’s actually a coloured bract. Anthurium flowers are very small and are all found on the spike."

SOURCE:  The story of Anthurium | Hot Plants and Flowers | Hot & Happening | Magazine Sections | Magazine | Fusion Flowers Magazine Floral Design Arranging and Books | Fusion Flowers

"The anthurium flower is known universally as a symbol of hospitality, as this exotic beauty thrives in nearly any location in the home or office. ... As a potted plant, the anthurium plant symbolizes abundance and happiness to the home."

SOURCE:  Anthurium Flower Meaning - Flower Meaning

"According to legend in fact in ancient Greece, the flowers of Anthurium were Cupid's arrows, or the god of love, who could make people fall in love. Despite the history of flower lovers, Anthuriums have begun to be a symbol of Christmas festivities just like poinsettia and fir."

SOURCE:  Anthurium : Perfect Houseplant for Gifting – RollingNature

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A post shared by Treathyl Fox (@myfoxnooze)

Floral Diversity: Transplant Flowers to Cure Homesickness

Florida was discovered by an explorer named Ponce de Leon. He named the state “Florida,” which is the Spanish word for “flowers”, because, upon his arrival in this new land, he saw nothing but gorgeous flowers everywhere. I imagine one of the flowers must have been the hibiscus, a flower that grew in the front yard of my childhood home. In fact, as a kid, it seemed like this flower was everywhere!  

We had hibiscus that grew in the front yard of my childhood home. Many hardy hibiscus are native to Florida, but for obvious reasons, the orange blossom was chosen as the state flower. But that's OK because ... the hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii. There are seven species of hibiscus native to this state. Also known as pua aloalo in Hawaiian, this flower represents royalty and communicates power and respect.

Image credit: glitter-graphics.com

When I moved from Florida to Texas, shortly after my arrival, I was in a store shopping for items for my new home. I overheard a lady talking to another lady. She said she had just returned to her home in Texas. She had been vacationing in Florida and she was so excited because she had found this wonderful flower! She said she just had to bring this gorgeous flower back home to Texas and plant it her garden.  Being from Florida, my curiosity was peaked. I wondered what Florida flower had impressed her so much. Turns out that it was the hibiscus.  Not surprised.

Links of Interest:

• Hibiscus Transplant Info - When And How To Transplant A Hibiscus
• Hibiscus Dying or Struggling? 7 Ways to Revive Your Plant
• Hibiscus Wilting After Transplant: What to Do - GFL Outdoors

The medicinal benefits of hibiscus tea are numerous; it can reduce the risk of cancer, help with weight loss and more.  However ... 

• CAUTION!  According to Medical News Today, hibiscus can interact with certain medications. For example, people who take chloroquine, a medication used to treat malaria, should not consume hibiscus because it may decrease how well the medicine works in the body.

I’ll never take the hibiscus flower from my childhood for granted ever again. In fact, if you ever relocate and feel a little homesick, try transplanting a flower that reminds you of the home you left behind.

If you have relocated to a new home, what are flowers that remind you of your childhood home?

♦

Original source

Floral Diversity: Why I Love the Jasmine Flower

There are three (3) reasons why I love the jasmine flower.

• Number 1: I love the fragrance.
• Number 2: When I lived in Miami, Florida, I had a Cuban friend named Jasmine (or Yasmin).
• Number 3: I like Disney Princess Jasmine.

Yasmin (Arab) or Yasamen (Persian) means “fragrant flower” and the name comes from the Persians and the Arabs.

Do you know how many types of Jasmine flowers there are? According to the Garden Lovers Club, even though there are 200 different species, you can narrow it down to ten (10) types.
1. Common jasmine
2. Arabian Jasmine
3. Asian Star jasmine
4. Cape Jasmine
5. Jasminum mesnyi
6. Night-Blooming Jasmine (Queen of the Night)
7. Pink Jasmine
8. Showy jasmine
9. Spanish jasmine
10. Winter jasmine

I am familiar with Cape Jasmine, but not by that name. What some people call Cape Jasmine, I call Gardenia.

The jasmine flower that I am most familiar with is Common Jasmine, which is a pretty star-shaped dainty little white flower that can make anyone's garden look amazing. This dainty little lady really gets around. “Originally native to Persia and Kashmir, and brought to Europe in quantities via Spain in the 17th century, Jasmine has a long and rich history in several cultures.”

~ The ancient Arabs believed that paradise must have been a place full of jasmine flowers.

~ Historical records indicate that the kings of Persia, Nepal, and Afghanistan had jasmine flowers planted around their palaces.

~ Arabian jasmine is the national flower of the Philippines.

~ Jasmine is also the national flower of Pakistan (but they call it Chameli).

~ In India, the flower is considered a sacred symbol of divine hope, good luck, and optimism. Many references are made to jasmine in the literature of ancient India. There is a reference to this flower in the Kamasutra as an aphrodisiac. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for migraines, insomnia, and to treat certain skin infections.

~ In China, it represents feminine kindness, grace, and delicacy, and they believe it is a means to attract love and wealth. (In other words, it's an aphrodisiac.) The Chinese use it to scent their green tea and in Chinese medicine to treat headaches, bone pain, and insomnia.

~ In Thailand, it is the symbol of motherhood.

~ To the Indonesians, the flower represents purity, eternal life, nobility, and the beauty of a girl. It is often used in wedding ceremonies and it is a national flower.

~ For centuries, Spanish Jasmine has been cultivated in France and used to make perfumes, and it is vital to the French economy.

~ For commercial purposes (mainly the perfumery industry), jasmine is grown in Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria.

~ In Hawaii, jasmine is called pikake and the flowers are used to make leis or as a garnish for pastries; while the oil is used in aromatherapy.

~ While researching to prepare this article I learned about a movie called “Jasmine Flower” which stars one of my favorite Asian actresses, Joan Chen. Added to my watch list. Has anybody seen this movie?

Jasmine is called the King of Oils and the Queen of Flowers.

Both honors are fitting. Don't you think so?

Original Source

Floral Diversity: High School Memories and Porcupine Quills

Years ago when I attended Catholic high school they sponsored what's called a “Retreat”. It's an event where you just … get away! It lasted for about a week. You don't have to go to class, you have no access to telephones or television or radio. Back then we didn't have cell phones or the Internet or video games. The Retreat was for spiritual growth and spending quiet moments in meditation and praying to God. We had group sessions where we candidly discussed our thoughts and read scriptures.

And since it was a bunch of silly immature high schools girls stuck in one place with not much to do you could visit each other's rooms, have pajama parties and pillow fights, style each other's hair, paint each other's nails, and stay up most of the night laughing and talking about insignificant things. We could do that until the nuns came and told is we had to turn off the lights and go to sleep. LOL.

The place where the retreat was held was absolutely mind-blowing. I wish I had taken a photograph. But cameras were also not allowed. One thing I remember was a particular flower that grew in the garden. I had never seen it before and nobody seemed to know the name. When asked to describe it, I said “It's looks like pretty pink porcupine quills with white and gold tips.”

Well! Thanks to the Internet, I found a photo of that lovely flower and it brought back some nice memories. The flower is called Crimson Bottlebrush. OK. Yeah. It sort of looks like a bottlebrush. LOL.

Image credit: KeiraSoleore on Twitter

Hope your day is as lovely as this flower.

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How to Grow Bottlebrush | Gardener’s Path 

Original source

Floral Diversity: Flower Spotlight: Cape Primrose

One of the most amazing things about planet Earth is its floral diversity. Some sources say there are 400,000 flowering plant species on Earth. I have no official qualifications to say this. I am not a botanist or anything like that. But only 400,000? That number sounds kind of low. Whether it's an accurate count or not, we can agree that there are at least a bazillion flowers on planet earth, and that includes the hybrids. LOL.

This short post shines the spotlight on Cape Primrose.

Cape Primrose is a flower that has several species and is native to South Africa. One doesn't usually associate fairies with Africa, but somehow, people have associated these flowers with fairies. There is a whimsical belief that fairies care for them. What do they symbolize? Just about everything one would desire in this life. Perfect health. Good luck. A brand new start in life. Spiritual paths that lie ahead. Purity. Honesty. But most importantly, love.

FUN FACT: Cape Primrose is a cousin of African violet. 

The Cape Primrose is an easy flowering houseplant that blooms in colors of shades of violet, pink, crimson, blue, violet, and white.

Streptocarpus - The Cape Primrose | plantcaretoday

I often write about flowers. It's one of my favorite things. If you liked this post, you might also like:

Why I Love the Hyacinth Flower

WhyI Love the Jasmine Flower

WhyI Love the Anthurium Flower

Gardenia Flowers and Lady Day

ExoticPlants and Flowers: Bird of Paradise

My History of Tulips

Transplant Flowers to Cure Homesickness

My Foodie Luv: Do You Cook with Edible Flowers?

My Foodie Luv: Four (4) Medicinal Flowers and Plants

High School Memories and Porcupine Quills

Floral Diversity is One of My Favorite Wonders of the World

Home and Garden: Sharing My Fascination With Bonsai Trees

 Are you fascinated by bonsai trees? I am.

Did You Know:
The word bonsai means “tree in a flowerpot” or “tree in a pot”?

The Japanese adopted the art of growing miniature trees from the Chinese.

Its origin is traced back to Zen Buddhism when Chinese monks developed the dwarfed trees in monasteries as a spiritual practice to inculcate peace and tranquility.

The first Bonsai trees, according to legend, were from an ancient Emperor of the Han dynasty.

The smallest bonsai tree in the world will fit in the palm of your hand.

The most famous bonsai in the world is called “Goshin – Protector of the Spirits” created by the legendary John Naka, and is actually a combination of 11 separate Juniper trees, each representing one of his 11 grandchildren.

Learn more fascinating fun facts about the bonsai.

** Interesting Facts That You Should Know about Bonsai Trees - Bonsai Tree Gardener ~ 

** Oldest Bonsai Tree: Fascinating Facts On Bonsai Trees For Kids! | Kidadl

** Facts about Bonsai – Verdissimo 

** The symbolism of Bonsai | Deccan Herald

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