The sun is shining so hot you can feel the heat reaching through your skin.  The air is dry but a sweet scent wafts around you.  There are rustling sounds beneath your feet as you slowly make your way along a well-worn path. You are in the meadow.

 

Popping between grasses and tall green leaves dancing in the sun are the weeds and wildflowers.  Their colours fade in harmony with the grasses creating a cozy and safe hollow for you to view them.  They are not bunched in clusters but share the space so the bees, butterflies and birds can rest and nourish themselves.  It is a restful, quiet place.

 

During historic times of long ago, nature was more respected. Weeds and Wildflowers were more important and had purpose in everyday life.  Teas were made from the leaves and roots; medicines and healing compresses made from the flowers,
stems and roots.  Every kitchen hung dried wildflowers from the rafters and pantries stored pottery jars of dried product.

 

Like the Raven and Crow, the Tortoise and Ant, Weeds and Wildflowers have survived for hundreds of thousands of years. They have everything necessary to thrive through anything; drought, dramatic weather, volcano lava, rising seas and even the modern tarmac of parking lots.  Their strength and resilience
bring us joy and hope that we can make it through anything, too !

 

Who remembers making a daisy chain crown or holding buttercups beneath our friend’s chins to see if they liked butter? Today, scientists have proven the child’s rhyme of the buttercup. Light reflected from the shiny petals of the buttercup held under a person’s chin will show pale yellow on the skin if that person likes butter.  There is a chemical reaction between the reflected yellow light and the natural oils from the skin that actually indicate or show whether or not you like butter or other fatty foods.  Isn’t that neat ?

 

• Buttercups are symbols of joy, friendship and humility.

• Daisies are symbols of new beginnings, harmony and the innocence of Children as in their birth.

Put these two together and you have a lovely bouquet for the dinner table.
 

Weeds and Wildflowers announce our Spring for us and keep us company during the summer.  They are simple, colourful and forever. Something we can depend on seeing all of the time.  Keep them close.
During your walks always enjoy the surprise of coming around a corner of trees or bushes to discover a Trillium in Ontario or a Lady’s Slipper in Prince Edward Island, if you happen to be visiting.  These are
protected though and cannot be picked.  Taking photos of wildflowers is a great hobby.
 

All of us here at Prep to Step-Up wish you a summer filled with the beauty and simplicity of wildflowers.  Let them give you joy !
 

From the Prep to Step-Up Team, 
Stay Safe and Keep Well !
                                          ~~ Doreen