The aster, says Interflora, represents both love and daintiness. The flowers are also associated with wisdom, valour and faith, making them a great choice for dear friends and family members.
Reminiscent of a daisy, the aster is named after the Greek word for ‘star’ and, if you look at the shape of the flower, it’s clear to see why.
These delightful flowers bloom all year round and are one of the most vibrant in the autumn months.
August’s birth flower gets its name from the Latin ‘gladius’, meaning ‘sword’, which is why you may have heard it called ‘sword-lily’. The name in fact is a reference to the sword-swinging gladiators of ancient Rome. Back then, when gladiators literally fought to the death in the arena, the victor was showered in gladioli. It is for this reason that gladioli are said to embody strength, generosity and moral integrity.
says that Gladioli are known to symbolise strength of character, faithfulness, integrity, infatuation, and persistence. Beyond these meanings, the birth flower for August carries other meanings that differ by colours;
Red gladioli symbolises – love.
Pink gladioli symbolises – compassion.
White gladioli symbolises – innocence.
Yellow gladioli symbolises – joy.
Purple gladioli symbolises – charm and grace.
Dandelion is a persistent, perennial weed of lawns, borders and hard surfaces. It’s difficult to eradicate dandelions by digging alone as the deep tap root can regrow and fluffy seeds are readily spread by the wind.
Well, I think dandelions are lovely and I’m pleased to find that Garden Betty agrees with me!
The hawthorn whitens; and the juicy groves Put forth their buds, unfolding by degrees, Till the whole leafy foreſt ſtands diſplay’d, In full luxuriance, to the ſighing gales.
Leefdale is busily preparing for the 2001 Magnificent Britain Gardening Competition. Major Howard Roberts is obsessed with gaining the fifth consecutive gold medal for the village. Unfortunately, the sale of The Old Rectory and its exemplary gardens threatens his hopes and those of many of Leefdale’s residents. Learn more.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac says that the special flower for April is either the daisy or the sweetpea. Flower Press explains that, “Each month of the year is associated with its very own flower. April is somewhat of an exception since there are two flowers associated with this month – the daisy and sweet peas.” However, Interflora sticks with just the daisy as does Proflowers.
I’m only having the daisy as my special flower for April. I always think of sweet peas later in the year.
Probably the most famous Daisy Quote is from the song “Daisy Bell”:
Daisy, Daisy give me your answer do. I’m half crazy all for the love of you. It won’t be a stylish marriage, I can’t afford a carriage. But you’ll look sweet, Upon the seat, Of a bicycle made for two.
Written in 1892 by British songwriter Harry Dacre, the song “Daisy Bell” is said to have been inspired by Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick, one of the many mistresses of King Edward VII.
This Pathe News clip from 1923 features the Countess of Warwick who amazingly stood as Labour MP against the Conservative Anthony Eden. Eden won and remained as MP for Warwick and Leamington until 1957.
“Daisy Bell” is the earliest song sung using computer speech synthesis.
In 1961, the IBM 7094 became the first computer to sing, singing the song Daisy Bell. Vocals were programmed by John Kelly and Carol Lockbaum and the accompaniment was programmed by Max Mathews.
