MinxterBLOOM

Many solstice celebrations still take place on June 24, which, since Julian times, is no longer the longest day of the year. Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar bringing the solstice to around June 21, give or take some crucial hours and minutes, the celestial solstice. Did you miss a bonfire on the 21st? I did, due to rain, wind, and thunder. Tonight is also a Midsummer's Night, because this is the fest of St. John the Baptist. I like to think of him as Sinjin. Sinjin is the British contraction of St. John (as Sinclair is for St. Clair). I read 'Sinjin McQuillan' in family letters dating from the 1920s. Now that is a name! Katie Craig's stories about our Craig-McQuillan line, as told to her by father William Francis McQuillan Craig, appeared in letters between Louis Navin and Gladys O'Donnell. (I am related to all).

St. John's wort blooms at this time of the year, typically in clear, bright yellows and golds.

Elizabeth Blackwell (1700) wrote and illustrated The Curious Herbal . Desperate to earn funds to free her husband from debtor's prison, The Curious Herbal is truly a labor of love. Mrs. Blackwell used specimens from the Chelsea Physic Garden, issuing the herbal in weekly sets between 1737 and 1739. She made enough money to secure her husband's release.
St. John's wort appears on page 9 facing the page for foxglove ( Digitalis ). You can also listen to audio version of each page. Of St. John's wort, Mrs. Blackwell writes: [a]"tincture of the flowers in spirit of wine is commended against melancholy and madness." The University of Maryland Medical School houses a complimentary medicine program. What they say about St. John's wort is here. Interestingly, the UM Medical School warns about an interaction between Digoxin and St. John's wort, so perhaps if Mrs. Blackwell were alive to revise her herbal, she might not place them across from one another.

Courtesy of DR, I find this charming Danish "sister." We are both slightly mad for flowers and knitting. I may have to take this image down, as I am waiting for her permission to keep the thumbnail in my journal. So, enjoy this now. Apparently, Danes do not battle hollyhock rust. Or, this gardener is fey and fairy-charmed. A dear friend, PW, gave me a hollyhock seedling that will bloom in the next two weeks. I hope for pale yellow blossoms, as they are the hollyhocks of my dreams. (Dreaming in color is very pleasant, for all, but especially gardeners). Here is a word on DR. She knits, crochets, reads, and is very wise about many things, including prairie life on the broad expanse that is Mid-to-West Canada. I believe, that one day she will knit or crochet lichens. These handcrafted creations will be botanically accurate. She is very fond of lichens and makes personal study of them. I have such interesting friends. Lucky me.

NOTE: Click into this image to be transported to LiseLotte's gardening/knitting blog.

is also a book title by plantswoman Rosemary Verey. Much of the charm of this book is due to the photos of striking companions. Here in my garden is this combination:

• daisy-like feverfew ( Tanacetum parthenium ; syn. Chrysantheim parthenium) with

• blue and white love-in-a-mist ( Nigella ).

Verey -- entirely self taught -- said often about gardens, "It is a sin to be dull." I agree.

Feverfew is of interest to the University of Maryland Alternative Medicine program. Read more here.

A neighbor knocked on the door yesterday to ask about the saturated-red "velvety little flower just like a prom gown." Answer? Lychnis coronaria, also known as mullein pink, rose campion, gardener's delight, and bloody William. I am surprised but pleased because this little work-horse perennial is not a show-stopper. This all puts me in mind of Emerson's observation:

"Heaven is large and affords space for all modes of love and fortitude." - Emerson

Daylilies blooming today. Last year, several very thirsty deer intercepted these blooms. These pictures are from Oakes' Daylilies in Tennesee. Here is "Country Melody."

Next up, the fine full-bodied yellow bloom is "Mary Todd." "Mary Todd" is a nod to the general goodness of Lincoln but also to my neighbor who descend from Mary Todd Lincoln's brother. She loves walking by this cheerful lily on her daily constitutional.

In another part of the garden I have three small plants of "Happy Returns," a daughter of "Stella Oro," but lemony rather than gold-toned. Again, from Oakes' Daylilies, this picture. I prefer this yellow to the the gold brassy tones of "Stella." However, having criticized this stalwart may I say that no flower is without charms.

I am happy the deer do not nibble this week. I will expect to see these three day lilies soon: "Catherine Woodbery," "Hall's Pink," and finally, a mysterious spider lily in electric lemon-yellow. I have ordered from Oakes' before, including with the City of College Park for a community garden on the trolley path. Good company, providing huge and healthy fans. I have a sad "Hyperion" story for later. Don't worry, as it ends well. Regarding "Hall's Pink," which is a stupendously gorgeous pinky-yellow edged spider, please see the reliable Bluestone Perennials for this fine lily