This is ragged robin and one of my favourite wild flowers. I have them in the garden. They like damp places, so this environment is ideal. This was also my great grandmothers favourite wild flower. I am fortunate that I can remember her. She lived to be 95. She spent her last years with Nannie and Gramps, so everytime we were staying I would see her. She would always be beautifully dressed in lace and velvet. She would collect her walking stick, stroll around the garden smelling the flowers and always put one in her lapel. She would then come and speak to me, quietly, very much the lady. It was then she would go on her walk into the village. It was two miles there and two miles back. She would take tea with her friends, and then come home. I was ten when she died and I count myself priviledged to remember her. When I see the ragged robin come into bloom it brings back memories that are becoming more precious with age.
13 comments:
Hi Cheryl,
She sounds like a lady from a different age and wouldn't be out of place in a Miss Marple .
I didn't realise how close to the railway you were.
Like you I love apple blossom and the new trees in the orchard are just about to show theirs.
I can't wait to see all of them in bloom.
Cheers Mark
How lovely that you associate this wildflower with your great-grandmother. I'm amazed by her walking 4 miles each day! That helps to explain her longevity.
This reminds me of my hollyhock connection with my grandmother.
I think these memories help us to understand even more who we are, and give us comfort or pleasure in thinking that someday when we are gone, someone might remember us in the same way.
She was from a different age, one that I think I would have fitted into quite well.
The railway runs along the bottom of the gardenfortunately the house is quite a way from it.
Your orchard will be heaven Mark, can't wait to see the photos.
Our minds are twinned on this one Rose...everything you said I totally agree with.
This glorious day has enticed me out of my closet again! Have you seen the swallows are back? - they make my heart sing and also bring a lump to my throat when I think of the incredible journey they've been on.
Your apple tree is heavenly, and your recollections of your great-grandmother bring visions of lace trimmed hankies, delicate bone china cups of tea and a gentle waft of lily of the valley!
Have a fantastic holiday weekend
Namaste
Hi Lady and the Tramp....I noticed the swallows yesterday, it is an amazing journey that makes one feel quite humble.
I have one of my great grandmothers hankies and it is trimmed with lace. And you are so right tea was served from a bone china teapot etc etc. And gramps grew all the produce that came to the table. Great days, great memories.
Cheryl, how fortunate you can remember her. I have only the pictures of mine. To see a flower and be reminded of her must bring you great pleasure.
Such a lot of pleasure these days Beckie.
Dear Cheryl,
A lovely memory of a special lady.
I did not know my Great-grandmother. I do a have a few of her things, my Mother had them.
So nice to be connected to water from another time.
Sherry
I have never seen this wildflower before Cheryl. It is quite beautiful. How nice to have such wonderful memories of your Grandmother brought about by this flower. You are lucky indeed to have known her.
What wonderful memories to treasure of your great-grandma. Lucky you!
I remember my great grandmother, too. I was 11 when she died. Unfortunately, I don't know what her favourite flower was, though.
Thanks for all the nice comments. It is nice to have the connection of a flower. My father tells me that she would collect the pretty flowers from the lanes and put them in a glass vase for her bedroom.
Now of course we would not pick them......ragged robin are not as abundant in the wild as they used to be, hence why I plant them here.
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