Written by forestelf
The wild flowers which decorate the British landscape offer a myriad splendours for the countryside walker to take delight in. As beautiful and vibrant as cut precious gemstones, these treasures lighten the spirit, not the pocket. Enticing wonder from the most world-weary of eyes, their magnificent, yet delicate, colours offer displays too transient to be spoiled by boredom or over familiarity.
Our ancestors held a deep fascination and respect for the wild flowers and herbs which decorated their world. Not only did they bring beauty to the countryside about them, they also provided flavour for their meals and medicines for their bodies. Indeed, people were so in awe of the properties of some of these plants that they imbued them with supernatural attributes, believing them to be manifestations from the Faery Realm or that they held links with saints or devils.
This enchantment of wildflowers and herbs gave plants a degree of respect that now seems lost in the 21st Century. Indeed, many wild flowers are more commonly termed 'weeds' today. How very sad and disrespectful to these charming little creations is that! Let us return our respect to these precious gifts of nature. They are certainly deserving of all the time and thought we can offer them.