Clematis - The Reality Flower

CLEMATIS -  The Reality Flower; Bringing us back down to earth 

I often hear amusing stories of children, when asked where say bananas come from, answer “supermarkets”, obviously not knowing the natural source!!  We have all become so divorced from nature, that it is easy to lose sight of what our ancestors would have considered common knowledge (although let’s face it - some of them might never have seen an actual banana -  but you get the idea!!)

For years I used Bach Flower remedies and simply thought of them as essences in bottles, without giving a thought to the actual flowers used to make them. This all changed when I started studying the essences in earnest and now I enjoy going on an adventure in the wilds (!!) of Surrey, trying to spot as many as possible.

Seeing the actual flowers, where and how they grow, can often give us clues as to their wonderful qualities. A good example of this is when we look at CLEMATIS.  This weekend, in between all the excitement of Olympic cycling in Dorking, I came across lots of Clematis when out walking with friends.

Clematis is a late bloomer, appearing on the scene in July and August. It is a creeper with no means of supporting itself, so uses trees, hedges and fences to support it as it climbs its way up towards the sky and light. The profusion of its exquisite creamy-white tufted flowers can give its host the appearance of having a cloth of lace draped over it. In Winter, when everything else is bare, Clematis, aptly nicknamed “Old Man’s Beard”, resembles fluffy balls of grey cotton wool, giving hedges an out-of-world appearance.

When in a Clematis-state, a person has no interest whatsoever in the here and now. “In cloud cuckoo land”; “Off with the fairies”; “In La-La land” are all apt descriptions for such people. Ordinary life holds no interest; reality is too mundane and dull and the day to day BBN (boring but necessary) tasks are not for them!  They wish to escape into their fantasy world, perhaps thinking about a place where they would love to live, or a dream job, but in reality they do no ground work to change their current circumstances to achieve these!  Often those in Clematis state are very drowsy, using sleep as an escape.

Clematis Essence can help ground us and bring us back to the present.  It helps us concentrate and have a realistic perspective on life. This doesn’t mean that it stops our dreaming and creativity. Instead it can help to channel it into something concrete. Often with Clematis type people, artistic gifts can go wasted. The essence can help such creative creatures translate their visions into for example a painting or poem.

Clematis is one of the five essences used to make up Rescue Remedy and is included to alleviate the out-of-body feeling which often precedes fainting or loss of consciousness.  

In all situations, whether in a day-to-day dreamy state or in an actual emergency, Clematis Essence can help bring us back to earth.  

Agrimony - The Honesty Flower

AGRIMONY - The Honesty Flower

Where might you see a collection of church steeples in Dorking, Surrey? Answer - at the foot of Box Hill along the River Mole. I’m not talking grand Victorian edifices but instead the delicate stems of the Agrimony flower, given its nickname “church steeple” because of its long pointed stem covered in bright yellow flowers, not too dissimilar to the ornaments on an actual church spire.

Agrimony is another of the flowers used to make Bach essences. The five-petalled flowers also bring to mind mini satellite dishes, poised waiting to receive outside signals.  

By August, the petals have disappeared and all that remains are conical fruits which eagerly stick to passing objects, like Velcro, using them as vehicles for seed dispersal.   

The typical “Agrimony type” person, just like the plant, is externally focused, and will eagerly seek out the company of others. Troubled by mental anguish, he will do anything to avoid his own company, instead preferring to play the “life and soul” of any party. Whether he uses the company of others, or addictive substances such as alcohol, drugs or overeating, the name of the game is escape - escape from his own emotions.  Like the clown at the circus, his public mask hides secret worries. 

Highly sensitive, the Agrimony type also hates any form of conflict and will do anything to keep the peace, often sacrificing his own needs and wishes to do so.   

Taking Bach Essence Agrimony can bring about a genuine inner peace and joyfulness. We can see our problems in the right light and perhaps laugh at our own worries, recognising their relative unimportance. We can also deal with both positive and negative situations and grow from them. And rather than shying away, we can deal with confrontation. Being open and honest means we can now discuss how we feel with others rather than pretending that everything is fine. 

In essence, we can be honest with ourselves and others - thanks to the Honesty Flower, Agrimony. 

Edible Flowers - Nasturtium

Edible Flowers  NASTURTIUM

For a while now, I have grown various herbs each summer, but a couple of years ago I branched out into growing edible flowers too. Reading articles on the subject, it turns out that flowers have been used for centuries in the kitchen, but I like to use mine raw so that I can get the most out of them nutrient-wise.

One of my favourites is Nasturtium.

Also known as Indian Cress or Monks Cress, Nasturtium gets its name from the Latin “nasus tortus” which means “twisted nose”, referring to its pungent flavour. Unlike most other edible flowers with their ever so delicate flavour, Nasturtium carries quite a peppery punch.

Both the leaves and flowers (beautiful reds, yellows and oranges) can be eaten and make a wonderful addition to salads. I confess one of my faves is a simple Nasturtium sandwich: granary bread and butter with a generous helping of leaves and a couple of flowers.

A great advantage to Nasturtium is that it is incredible easy to grow. I grow mine in three terracotta pots on the lounge window sill. Its jewel-like colours brighten up a rainy day (like today!). All it asks for is regular water, and it just keeps giving and giving throughout the summer months. In fact, it is sometimes hard to keep up with it!!

Needless to say, I grow it organically, without any nasties, and it’s a great way to top up your quota of daily greens. 

Just a word of warning, however, to anyone who suffers with any sensitivities: they have been known to cause a slight tingling in the mouth in some people, so go slowly when you first try them!! 

Enjoy! :)