A Sentiment

God knew what He was doing when He sent a gentle breeze and brought a lovely butterfly to set my heart at ease. The happiness of your friendship and the gentleness of your words have touched my life in special ways and now I feel assured. Thank you for your loyalty and for reading everyday. I only hope you find things to make a happy day.

Monday, July 20, 2009

The Stargazer And Me




Was there ever a prettier flower? One of the most gorgeous and perhaps most celebrated lily varieties is the Stargazer. Known for its striking blooms and heavenly scent. The stargazer has added a new star to the already rich legacy of lilies, which have been a significant floral symbol for centuries. In ancient mythology and in folklore from around the world, the lily has appeared deeply spiritual. Developed in the latter part of the 20th century, the stargazer lily is a recent addition to the lily family.
The lily family has traditionally represented innocence and purity. These motifs appeared as far back as ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and reappeared in biblical traditions. Stargazer lilies have come to be associated with these meanings, but they've taken on additional meanings as well. The pink varieties are considered symbolic of wealth and prosperity.
As I was cleaning up my flower beds, yesterday, I came upon this lily...the only one...in a garden bed by our deck. Stargazer lilies used to be planted there, but I moved them to my Mary's Garden in the front. This solo lily was just standing there forgotten...so tall...begging to be picked. At the end of my work, I went back to the lily and snipped. Brought it into the house..to a waiting bud vase of lukewarm water. In went the lily.For once, I didn't put anything with it. It had been out in the garden, all alone and I felt that it needed to be alone in the vase. She was so beautiful. I placed the vase on the coffee table. The ceiling fan was whirring around overhead, in the afternoon. We were resting by watching a movie. People came to visit for a bit. They didn't mention the lily. Some people never see the beauty around them. What a shame I think...they miss so much. My Stargazer, aptly named, because she is a star, was swaying in the breeze of the fan. Later, when I was alone, I smelled this wonderful fragrance in the room. A fragrance that no room spray could ever match. Where is that coming from, I thought? Then it dawned on me...that wonderful single flower had scented the whole room. The whirl of the fan just made it better. This single flower brought me so much joy on a Sunday afternoon.
Balisha

12 comments:

Lynn said...

That Stargazer is beautiful. I don't know why I have never planted any of them. I smell them all the time at the garden center and they are beautiful. Maybe next year...
Have a great day...

Gram said...

It is so pretty!

Autumn Belle said...

It is indeed a spectacular name for a spectacular flower.

Lona said...

It is so pretty Balshia. I do not have that one but I love the pinks in it.

Balisha said...

First of all...welcome Autumn
Good morning everybody!

Belle, I just went over to your blog and it is so interesting. I'm adding you to my list of favorites. I hope that you find friends and information in reading our blogs. Again...welcome.

I was chuckling, when I read lynn's comment...aren't we gardeners always saying "maybe next year?"

OhioMom said...

Lovely! I loved your history of the lily, since I did not know that :)

Gail said...

It's my favorite lily...I adore the scent it gives off in the garden...and to treat myself I buy fresh Stargazer lilies in the winter. gail

Anonymous said...

They really are spectacular & the scent is amazing. :)

cwa said...

What a beautiful flower. I just love lilies, and that is an exceptionally lovely one. I don't have a garden right now, so I am enjoying yours via the internet. Thanks for sharing.

Roses and Lilacs said...

I agree, Stargazer is one of the loveliest lilies, certainly one of my favorites.

Thank you for the tip on fleabane. Think I will let it remain in the garden and start experimenting to see if I can get bushier plants. If it becomes too prolific, it isn't difficult to pull.

Balisha said...

This morning the lily has opened completely. Funny, the ones in front of the house aren't even open yet. Location, location I guess.

Pat said...

I planted Stargazers several years ago but have never had any bloom until this year. The rabbits always chewed them to the ground not long after they would pop through the soil. I was thrilled to actually have one bloom this year.
Have a wonderful day...