Thursday, June 30, 2011

Fresh-Cut Friday #11 Larkspur July Flower Of The Month


Well! It's the first Friday of the month and that means it's time for Fresh- Cut Friday.

Can you believe that I started this party almost a year ago!? Well, since then I have seen so many other blogs with their own version, (all of which are wonderful) but I thought I would change things up a little and feature a Birthday Flower of the Month. Please still link up your flower or garden posts. They don't have to be anything specific. Just pretty!

I am going to start a new series and share something a little more specific.

How about the Flower of the Month?

The Birthday Flower of the Month for July is Larkspur. Similar to Delphinium and is part of the same Buttercup family. Indigenous to the Northern Hemisphere it is also found in the tropical Mountains of Africa.

(this was taken from google images...not my photo...isn't it gorgeous?)

These beauties bloom from late spring to late summer. They are pollinated by butterflies and bumble bees, however, most species are poisonous.

Colloquial Names: Larkspur or Delphinium are lark's heel, lark's claw and knight's spur.

Meaning: Delphinium, Hybrid (coming from the Greek word delphis, referring to the flower's resemblance to the bottle-like nose of the dolphin) generally symbolizes big-heartedness, fun, fickleness, lightness and levity. It also can mean "ardent attachment". And, as with other flowers, the colors can mean even more. Pink, fickleness and Purple, first love and White, happy-go-lucky.

An interesting tid-bit: Mixing the juice form the Larkspur seed with alum can create a blue ink. Because of the blue color it used to be used in Transylvania on the stables to ward away witches.


If you are enjoying a Birthday this month you deserve a big bouquet of Larkspur!

Now, Larkspur is not grown locally here in the desert. So I had to order some.

Not very expensive, I got these from Phoenix Flower Shops for $3.10 per stem.

The girl on the phone Saturday morning was so sweet and helpful! I also picked up a sunflower or two and some mini carnations and daisies.

It's just a little Patriotic, don't you think? I hope you all have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

Next Month's flower is the Gladiolus!

Now! Let's see your pretty arrangements.








I'm linking to Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home. (thanks Cindy)

20 comments:

Lisa said...

Liz,
This is such a pretty arrangement! I love love sunflowers!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Oh I love the idea of flower of the month. Now unfortunately, no flowers this month...heck, I haven't left my house for a week! And next months glads...not my favs....but I will be interested to see what is said about them. Have a great 4th my friend.

deb said...

Such a pretty color combination for a gorgeous bouquet!
*hugs*deb

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous patriotic bouquet, Liz. My first sunflower bloomed yesterday.

Have a lovely holiday weekend.
TTFN ~
Marydon

Debbi said...

so Lovely! I just found your blog and I am a new follower too:) I added a post that I did last week on the famous Heirloom Rose Gardens which is eye candy right now!

Oliva Ohlson said...

Larkspur is beautiful and long lasting! Thank you for the info...I really enjoyed learning the significance of each color. Thank you for the email reminder...it got me to start posting again...

Olga Poltava said...

Hello Liz,
Beautiful post! Larkspur is such a lovely flower.
Thank you for reminding me about your link party. I actually wanted to join you several times, but I kept forgetting. I'm joining your party today with a simple bouquet from my garden.
Happy 4th July!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Thanks so much for hosting this linky party, Liz! I am enjoying it. Your post on the larkspur is fantastic and so educational. I love learning new things! I think the flower of the month idea is neat, too. Your arrangement is so pretty....I like the mix with the sunflowers. I hope you have a fantastic Independence Day weekend!

xoxoxoxo,
Ricki Jill

April D said...

Very pretty, and so informative! I DID know they were poisonous, but that's about it.
We don't have much blooming right now. . . :( no party for me today.
Hope your 4th is Happy, Happy!!!!!

Linda said...

Thanks so much for the lovely compliments and following my blog.
I'm linking too.

Kathy said...

I love your Fresh-Cut Friday party. I was checking out Ricki's blog Art @ Home and just had to join in the fun. I am excited about the 4th, your arrangement is great. Kathy

Katherines Corner said...

Liz, this is truly gorgeous! Hugs

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I love your Fresh Cut Friday party! And your idea about a birthday flower of the month is wonderful. You have such a pretty arrangement and it's perfect for the 4th of July holiday! Thanks so much for hosting this fun party!

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

Hi Liz, I love larkspur and their majestic beauty. I had planted some in my perennial border but mine did not do so well.. I loved knowing all the insights about larkspur. Thanks for sharing with us and for being such a gracious hostess. This is my first link-up and I love your theme for the party... will be wonderful to visit how everyone enjoys their summer blooms. I don't have gladiolus but I love all the different colors. You have motivated me to plant some. Thanks again and wishing you and yours a very Happy 4th!~Poppy

http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Hi, I have always loved Larkspur. Could it be because I have a July birthday? That might have something to do with it. Hee-hee. Seriously though, last Fall I sprinkled larkspur seed that I had saved from previous plants all over behind the area we are making into our fire pit. Holy Moly, I have it everywhere and it is so tall. It is just starting to bloom and I am loving it. I will be blogging about it next Weds. Swing by for a peak if you get a chance.

Cindy said...

Very lovely flowers, I don't think I have seen the larkspur here, either.
Happy 4th of July!
Cindy

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

I'm late to the party so I appreciate your reverse line up! Thanks for hosting and also for visiting my blog. Hope your 4th is perfect.

Unknown said...

Dear Liz,
I was hoping to show some of my Delphiniums but they are no longer looking their best. The rain and hot sun has pelted them hard. I love that you are using the flower of the month for an added fun. And we will have a whole month to jump in. Have a great Fourth..
~Shirley

Decor To Adore said...

Red, white and ooooohhhhhh!

Have a happy 4th of July!

Marianne said...

Hi Liz,
I just love your flower linky party. Thanks so much for sending out the email reminder. I just love your arrangement with the sunflowers. I'm hoping there will be something good lurking in my garden for your August party!
Marianne :)