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Gardener's Notebook - Flowers have their own language

There is a very unique language, the language of flowers. Over the centuries, flowers have taken on different meanings, and the people of the time knew and understood these meanings.
Hayward

There is a very unique language, the language of flowers. Over the centuries, flowers have taken on different meanings, and the people of the time knew and understood these meanings.  This was especially true in Victorian times, when one just didn’t say certain things to another face to face, but the message could be sent with flowers. If a young man was pining away for the affections of a certain young lady, he could send her a bouquet of primrose to say “I can’t live without you.” But if the young lady sent back a bouquet of yellow carnations, it meant “I just want to be friends”.

Even today, certain flowers bring an instant message to mind: roses, especially red roses, mean true love.  Myrtle is love, and still a symbol of marriage. Lily of the valley is purity and sweetness.

Today I’d like to make up a floral bouquet of wishes to three very special men who will be leaving our community: the Redemptorist fathers at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.  

Fr. Bohdan Lukie, Fr. Ray Lukie, and Fr. Methodius Kushko have worked tirelessly in the community in so many ways, from being pastors and conducting thousands of services and blessings at the church for their parishioners, driving out to many smaller parishes, visiting at the hospitals and nursing homes, being guests on the radio and television, and being strong and vibrant members of the community. They will be leaving Yorkton in a short time, and I wish them every grace and blessing in the next chapters of their lives.

My bouquet would contain many flowers to represent my wishes for them: pink carnations to say “I’ll never forget you”; gladiolas and rosemary for “remembrance”; white hyacinth to represent “prayers” for the future. I’d add in some goldenrod to represent “good luck” and “encouragement”; sage for “wisdom”, and thyme for “courage”.  There would be violets for “loyalty”, pink roses for “love and happiness”, yellow roses for “joy”, and a mixed rose collection for “gratitude”. I’d include geraniums and irises for “friendship”, heather for “admiration” and chrysanthemums for “long life”. There would be zinnias for “thoughts of absent friends”, and forget-me-nots for “memories”.

For greenery I would include a branch of oak for “strength”, ferns for “confidence”, and  sprigs of ivy for “friendship”.

And finally, cyclamen to say “goodbye”.  

Dear fathers, thank you for your faith and dedication, your hard work, your friendship, and all that you have been to your parishioners and many friends in Yorkton. Though your paths now take you in different directions, may you look forward with hope and enthusiasm.  God bless and keep you always: Mnohaya lita!

Gardening friends, make a note and plan to attend the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society Annual Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Show, Wednesday, August 7 from 1:00 till 5:00 p.m. at St. Gerard’s Parish Complex, 125 Third  Avenue North, Yorkton.  This is a chance to see the best of the gardening season! Your admission includes coffee or tea and dainties, so bring a friend or two and enjoy a most pleasant gardening afternoon! Everyone is welcome!

Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca to see what’s “coming up” with the horticultural society.  Have a great week and be sure to wear a hat!