“Linaria vulgaris (common toadflax, yellow toadflax, or butter-and-eggs) is a species of toadflax (Linaria), native to most of Europe, northern Asia, the United Kingdom, Spain, east to eastern Siberia, and western China. It has also been introduced and is now common in North America. While most commonly found as a weed, toadflax is sometimes cultivated for cut flowers, which are long-lasting in the vase. Like snapdragons (Antirrhinum), they are often grown in children’s gardens for the “snapping” flowers which can be made to “talk” by squeezing them at the base of the corolla.” To read more click here
Day 359: Dandelion Puff
“I was a dandelion puff…Some saw the beauty in me and stooped quietly to admire my innocence. Others saw the potential of what I could do for them, so they uprooted me, seeking to shape me around their needs. They blew at my head, scattering my hair from the roots, changing me to suit them. Yet still others saw me as something that was unworthy and needed to be erased.” –Nicole Bailey-Williams
Day 358: Nature Will Never Fail You
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” –Frank Lloyd Wright
Day 357: Multiflora Rose
“Multiflora rose was introduced to the U.S. from Japan in 1886 as an under-stock for ornamental roses. Birds are responsible for spreading the seeds, which remain viable for a number of years. In the 1930s, the Soil Conservation Services advocated the use of multiflora rose for erosion projects and as a way to confine livestock. Hedges of multiflora rose have also been used as a crash barrier and to reduce headlight glare in highway medians.” To read more click here
Day 356: Self Heal Herb
“Prunella vulgaris plant is commonly known as the self heal herb. It has been used medicinally for centuries. In fact, the entire plant, which is edible, can be used both internally and externally to treat a number of health complaints and wounds. The plant’s most common use is for the treatment of cold sores. Prunella is a perennial plant native to Europe but can also be found growing in parts of Asia and the United States. Depending on the region grown, prunella plant blooms from June through August with lavender or white flowers. The plants are usually cut during summer flowering and used (fresh or dried) in making herbal tinctures, infusions, and ointments.” To read more click here
Day 355: Mullein
“The name mullein probably comes from the Latin word mollis, meaning soft, referring to the plant’s woolly stem and leaves. The name also might relate to the Latin malandrium, meaning malanders, a cattle disease for which mullein was used as a remedy. A couple of folk names for mullein have more intriguing associations. “Candlewick plant” refers to the old practice of using the dried down of mullein leaves and stems to make lamp wicks. Some say mullein stems once were dipped in tallow to make torches either used by witches or used to repel them, hence the name “hag taper.” The custom of using mullein for torches dates back at least to Roman times.” To read more click here
A Year In Photos 