Mary Atkinson » The Language of Flowers http://www.maryatkinson.com Complementary Therapist, Author and Tutor Sat, 25 May 2013 15:57:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 The Healing Touch of Flowers http://www.maryatkinson.com/the-healing-power-of-flowers/ http://www.maryatkinson.com/the-healing-power-of-flowers/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:14:25 +0000 maryatkinson http://www.maryatkinson.com/?p=745 Did you know that the Language of Flowers is central to the 9/11 Memorial Garden in Grosvenor Square?  My daughter and I visited the beautiful garden just five days after the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack and the flowers and notes so lovingly placed on the pergola floor acted as a poignant reminder of the lives lost. As we stood in silence we both acknowledged that this tranquil space in the centre of London’s busy streets has a remarkably healing effect on mind, body and soul.

Pergola in 9/11 Memorial Garden

Later, reading the information plaque, I was intrigued to discover that the planting scheme was inspired by the language of flowers, so popular in the Victorian era as a way of communicating messages and expressing feelings that could not be spoken. Indeed, six of the plants were in the posy presented by Her Majesty the Queen during the special memorial service at Westminster Abbey.

The Healing Flowers in the Garden

Among the symbolic flowers planted in the garden are:

  • Rosemary – a plant of friendship and remembrance
  • Ivy – an emblem of fidelity
  • Lily – embodying purity and the life of the soul
  • Phlox – a traditional love token
  • Coneflower – prized for its healing properties
  • White Rose Sally Holmes  - Flowering in September, this white rose is central to the symbolism of the Memorial Garden

Flowers in the 9/11 Memorial Garden

I am intending to find out more about the Language of Flowers and as a starting point, I have ordered a novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh called The Language of Flowers. Can anyone recommend any other books?

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