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Irish Times
a day ago
- General
- Irish Times
A rose by any other name: Fionnuala Ward on a garden visitor with a life of its own
There is a rose in my garden, a leftover from the previous owner. I've never pruned this rose. I've never watered this rose. But I have nothing against roses. I need to make that clear. There is a wonderful rose garden in the Botanic Gardens and, like everyone else, I pause on my walk to reach and smell and check for a fragrance. And the benches in that section of the Bots, which look out over a palette of shades and tones and of blooms climbing and static, are always the most popular. It's just that I know next to nothing about roses. Although, let's be honest, they do seem a little too cultivated. A little too perfect. So, all right, maybe I'm not their biggest fan. READ MORE But the rose in my garden is different. The garden is entirely wild now. It's filled with thistles and nettles, clover and ragwort. But this rose, this one rose, has survived in the midst of it all and I have to admit that I am in awe of it. A couple of years ago, the wall between myself and my neighbour had to be replaced. The rose's patch is close to this boundary. Very close, and I figured that would be that. Builders trampled in and out. Concrete was poured. A wasteland developed. The rose duly disappeared and I thought no more about it. But some time later, to the delight of my neighbour, it popped up on her side of the wall. The grass was clearly greener over there. Things were better. Life was less precarious. It was hard not to take it personally. It was true that I hadn't looked out for this rose but I didn't do it any harm either, leaving it to its own devices. And then, as if sensing that the coast was clear, it reappeared on my side of the wall as well. This rose was hedging its bets. Burrowing deep under the concrete blocks, it had set up residence in both gardens to maximise its chances of survival. It's now in bloom. And in keeping with the nature of this rose, this is no ordinary blooming. No common-or-garden effort happening here. There are two offshoots on my side, with only one producing buds but it's the proliferation of buds on this one offshoot that is quite something. There are eight viable buds on this one branch. Eight. I've checked with my neighbour and, to date, there are none that side. She too has adopted a benign-neglect approach to looking after this rose, so some may yet appear. I can't help wondering if eight on one stem is a kind of record. The top bud has now opened up to the sunshine. A delicate peach colour, it exudes the loveliest of aromas that wafts around that part of the garden. The stem is long and languorous, bending out and down so that sitting on my chair in the garden I can take in the wonder of this bloom. There are seven more to go. I'm pretty sure one stem couldn't cope with eight buds blooming at once, so they'll probably go in turn. I've taken to checking the status of these buds every morning, deciding on the ones that look most likely to burst forth next. I have a feeling that they won't all make it but I'm hoping that most will. I'm keen on having a bee-friendly garden but I know roses are next to useless for bees. And sure enough, while the clover and thistles are alive with whirring and buzzing, the rose remains an activity-free zone. Roses, it seems, are too dense and complicated a flower and the bees just can't get in there to nestle up to the pollen. But even though, the rose in my garden (and please note how I can't bring myself to claim that it's 'my' rose) is not pulling its weight pollinator-wise, it's welcome to stay. Truth be told, it's more its garden than mine. I've long since decided that this rose is a combination of delicacy and single-mindedness. [ Gardening Q&A: How can I resuscitate my dying roses? Opens in new window ] If it were a person, it would be a painter or sculptor or, more likely yet, the leader of a fascist resistance. Its tenacity knows no bounds. And so, with the summer drawing in, I'll keep an eye on proceedings. I'll watch how those blooms develop. And I'll check in on how things are going on the other side of the wall. But all in an information kind of way. Nothing else. I've no intention of doing anything. The rose in my garden happily has no need of me.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
What your bouquet says about you: Secret meanings behind flowers and the variety you should NEVER send
There are few gifts more universally perfect than a bouquet of flowers - whether it be for romance, an apology, or just a thoughtful gesture. But the art of perfecting it is far more complex than many may realise - and you could unknowingly be sending a message far from what's intended. Floriography, the 'language of flowers', was a common method of communication used in the Victorian era, used to send messages through the secret meanings behind the individual flowers chosen. But even in 2025, it's just as easy to commit a floral faux pas by choosing the wrong blooms for the wrong occasion. It could be the colour of the flowers - red, for example, is commonly associated with romance, while white is associated with grief and purity. And it's just as important to consider the type of flower selected, as common flowers such as lilies, roses and chrysanthemums all have vastly different meanings. According to data from Tesco, the aster flower, native to Japan, has seen sales boom by nearly 350 per cent in recent years, thanks to its symbolism of love, patience and wisdom. Of course, the flipside of flowers laden with so much meaning, there's huge potential for a faux pas if you make the wrong choice. Here's what experts say about choosing the right sort of bloom to convey your message. Asters Demand for asters in bouquets has more than quadrupled in the last two years - and it's easy to see why. The flower, which is native to Japan, is associated with love, patience, elegance, grace and wisdom - making it a simple but effective bouquet option, without any risk of causing offence. Tesco has reported that sales have grown nearly 350 per cent over the last two years, after first being listed in 2022. The asters' success has been credited to their cheap price point, bright colour and long vase life. At Tesco, asters sell for just £3 and are a member of the Asteraceae family - the same as sunflowers and dahlias. Sandra Varley, expert at Flying Flowers, told Daily Mail: 'While the more common flower known for love is a rose, the aster shares this symbolism and is steadily growing in popularity. 'Rooted in Greek mythology, asters were said to have bloomed from the tears of the goddess Astraea and were offered to show love and respect to the Greek gods. With such a romantic history, the aster flower symbolises admiration but also wisdom and faith, making a thoughtful gift to wish someone good fortune in the future. 'Asters are also the September birth flower so why not add it to a birthday bouquet.' Roses Red roses are commonly seen as a symbol of romance - associated with love, dating and Valentine's Day. But if you're looking to give roses without that romantic intention, you could try for pink - which is said to represent gratitude - or yellow - which symbolise friendship. White roses symbolise innocence and purity, making them a common choice for weddings. Sandra explained: 'Universally known as a symbol of love, red roses can be the perfect option for a loved one. However, pink hues of the flower can soften this message, adding layers of meaning such as gratitude and appreciation, making them a thoughtful choice for showing love and thanks beyond romance. 'Yellow roses also represent similar feelings of jealousy and betrayal. While more recently known as the 'flower of friendship', in Victorian times the bloom would be sent to accuse someone of betraying you.' Meanwhile etiquette expert Jo Hayes added: 'Long known as the bloom of love, florists are run off their feet for this lovers' favourite on February 14. 'But there are a few different meanings within the rose family that one should definitely consider.' Jo says that red roses are 'absolute perfection' for Valentine's Day, or in general to let a romantic partner know you're feeling enamoured. Pink is just as apt for a 'friend, your mum or celebration of a birthday' - as Jo says they're the perfect message to imply 'you're awesome'. Crysanthemums With hundreds of varieties available, Chrysanthemums are a quick and easy choice to put in a bouquet. They're also the birth month flower for those born in November - meaning they can be the perfect gift especially around winter time. In Italy, Chrysanthemums are commonly bought around November 2 - for Il Giorno dei Morti - 'the day of the dead', or All Souls' Day. During the weeks prior, people will leave them at cemeteries to commemorate the dead. Say it with lesser-known blooms Monique Kemperman, from Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland revealed some lesser-known flowers to consider, if you're trying to convey the right message. Alstroemeria The alstroemeria symbolises a long-lasting friendship, and it's therefore the perfect gift to celebrate a beautiful friendship with. All six petals of the alstroemeria stand for a valuable quality: understanding, humour, patience, compassion, decisiveness and respect. Which petal represents which meaning is up to you to choose. It is a flower that says, 'I am here for you, always'. Callicarpa Purple flowers stand for dignity, preparation, seriousness and mourning. That makes this a fitting flower to give to close relatives who are arranging a funeral, to let them know you are there for them. But it is also a fitting flower for many other situations where words fail to come up with the appropriate response. Cymbidium In China, this flower is a gift for friends, a symbol of a valued and respected friendship, and even more beautiful when combined with alstroemeria. This means that the flowers are strictly reserved to funerals and graves - and, according to Flying Flowers, gifting them in a bouquet could imply wishing the receiver 'wasn't alive'. In most other countries however, chrysanthemums are generally a safe bet - representing joy, friendship and honesty. Lilies Famously, white lilies are believed to symbolise rebirth and purity - meaning they often feature at funerals in association with grief. These associations mean they may also be present at weddings. And though they're less common, it's important not to underestimate the significance of other colours. Like roses, red lilies can symbolise love and passion, while pink is perfect to gift to a loved one or close friend due to their associations with femininity. In some cultures, white lilies are associated with death - and therefore should be avoided for events such as baby showers. Lilies are also extremely toxic to cats and if pets lick or eat one of the plants, they could even develop kidney damage. According to the PDSA, all parts of the lily are dangerous, including the leaves, flowers and pollen - meaning pet owners should avoid the plants where possible. 'There are many species of lilies, all with different meanings,' Sandra said. 'Stargazer lilies symbolise determination, drive, good fortune and new beginnings, which are perfect to include in a bouquet for students, those starting a new chapter, or well wishes. 'Whereas, white lilies are often associated with sympathy and loss, so it is important to know which species you are sending as you could give off the wrong message.' Carnations Carnations are some of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world, dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where they were used in crowns and garlands due to associations with love, admiration and celebration. The flowers were discovered by Theophrastus, one of the first known botanists. Despite having conflicting meanings in different cultures today, they are generally associated with devotion and love. According to Christian tradition, pink carnations are associated with the Virgin Mary's tears, giving them additional ties to motherly love and purity. Like lilies, white carnations represent purity, innocence and good luck, meaning they are often present at sympathy arrangements, including funerals. 'When dating apps weren't around in the Victorian era, lovers had to send sneaky messages to one another with flowers, using different species and colours to represent different feelings,' Sandra said. 'One coded message would be to send a yellow carnation as rejection to their love, so this might be one to avoid when trying out the dating scene.' Daisies Though they're small, daisies can make the perfect addition to larger bouquets, or can be the main event themselves. They're often seen growing naturally in spring and summer, meaning they're commonly associated with new beginnings. Meanwhile old Celtic legends state that when an infant died, daisies were gods' gift to bring comfort - hence their appearance scattered over fields. In Norse mythology, the daisy was the sacred flower of Freya, goddess of love and fertility - and even today are still used for welcoming a new baby. Event and tablescaping expert Lavinia Stewart-Brown said: 'Daisies, often associated with spring, represent innocence and new beginnings, making them a popular choice for baby showers.' Meanwhile Jo Hayes added: 'This flower represents innocence, purity, loyal love, new beginnings, and "I'll never tell". 'Perhaps, in generations past, the daisy was sent from lover to lover, engaged in a secret romance? 'Perfect for a romantic expression, or simply, embracing the 'innocence' meaning, gifting to a friend.' Sunflowers First originating around 1000 BC in the Americas, sunflowers were used as a food source, with their seeds crushed to make flour to make bread. Today, they're still a practical source of seeds and oil - but their looks alone can make them a useful resource. Their symbolic meaning comes from the Greek myth of Clytie and Apollo, the god of sun. Apollo turned Clytie into a sunflower as punishment when their love went sour - but her feelings for him were so strong that she would turn to follow him wherever she went. As such, bright and bold sunflowers commonly have associations with adoration and loyalty - meaning it's hard to go wrong if you're sending them as a gift. Lavinia says that the blooms are 'universally linked to positivity' - and make for a sunny addition as either a statement flower or as their own event. Sandra added: 'Vivid yellow sunflowers and orchids are two blooms that are associated with optimism, pride, achievement and strength, perfect for those graduating, passing their GCSE or A Level exams or starting a new career.'
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Botanist issues urgent warning about aggressive plant taking over yards: 'Difficult to control'
Botanist issues urgent warning about aggressive plant taking over yards: 'Difficult to control' Invasive species are detrimental to biodiversity, ecosystems, and the economy. A botanist is on a mission to educate people about invasive plants and why removing them is important. Posting on Instagram, the Invasive Species Guy (@invasivespeciesguy) showed people that the best way to stop Great mullein plants from spreading is to remove every plant they find. This is because a single plant can produce as many as 240,000 seeds, according to the botanist. The botanist wrote that the plant was first introduced to North America from Eurasia in the mid-1700s as an ornamental plant but has quickly spread. As the Invasive Species Guy wrote, this plant "reduces biodiversity, is unpalatable to livestock, is difficult to control, can reduce crop or forage yields, and their star-shaped, felted hairs can cause skin irritations." Invasive species are a big problem globally, costing billions of dollars every year. Invasive plants and animals outcompete native species, destroying ecosystems while hurting the economy that depends on them. Invasive species can damage crop yields and destroy property. For example, invasive feral pigs alone cause close to $2.5 billion in damages in the U.S. every year, per the USDA. By managing and removing these species, we can protect our economies and preserve resources. Rewilding your yard with native species and removing invasive ones can help support local ecosystems by preventing invasive species from spreading. Native plant gardens are also much easier to maintain because the plants are adapted to the local environment. This means you don't need to worry about adding fertilizer to the soil or excess watering, saving you both time and money on yard maintenance. There are lots of ways to incorporate native plants into your yard and reap these benefits. Trading your grass lawn for a more natural one can help reduce maintenance and water costs, while using landscape techniques such as xeriscaping — which uses drought-tolerant native plants and rocks or mulch — can help remove the need for irrigation. Several commenters agreed with the OP's take on invasive plants. "Zero tolerance for invasives!" one person commented. "Thanks for letting me know," another added. "I kinda liked it in my yard but I'll definitely keep it out." What's the hardest thing about taking care of your yard? Mowing the lawn Controlling weeds Keeping pests at bay I don't have a yard Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Rare animal hiding in outback photo helps solve decades-long mystery
When you look at this picture of a tiny dragon lizard camouflaged against its red, rocky outback habitat, it's not hard to understand why no one had seen one in decades. Dr Jane Melville is an expert in Australia's dragons, but there's one species she's never seen in the wild — the hidden dragon. 'They're so hard to find,' Melville, the senior curator of terrestrial vertebrates at Museums Victoria, told Yahoo News. Over a decade ago, Melville spent a week searching the last places where hidden dragons were collected — the hillsides north of the famous Wolfe Creek crater in 1979 and Wave Hill in the Top End in 1984. 'We walked around for a week looking for the dragons, but didn't locate them,' she said. 'We know very little about them. They're quite small, so they have quite small home ranges, and they live on this rocky, stony ground.' It's unknown whether they have vanished from those places, and how rare they are elsewhere. In 2011, a botanist accidentally photographed one in the Kimberley, but that was the only sighting until a massive discovery in 2016. In its isolation, Australia developed more lizard species than anywhere else on the planet, with goannas evolving to fill the role as a top-tier predator in some parts of the country, similar to how the now extinct 3.6-metre-high moa was once dominant in New Zealand. For years, the hidden dragon was known by just six 'old' scientific specimens. Measurements taken of the animals late last century were enough to confirm they were a separate species, but it wasn't standard practice to take genetic samples at the time before preserving them in chemicals, so which genus they belonged to was unknown. Excitingly, the dragons were found again at five new sites in the remote central Kimberly in 2016. One of the first to see them was Stephen Mahony, an expert field ecologist who specialises in tracking down reptiles. He was volunteering with non-profit Australian Wildlife Conservancy at its Mornington-Marion Downs Wildlife Sanctuary in 2016. Thousands of years of evolutionary development has given the hidden dragon the ability to camouflage against the earth, but luckily for Mahony and his colleague, this one was easy to see. 'We were driving a car, and saw out the car window a tiny dragon perched on a rock next to the road. We were pretty amazed, because we as ecologists instantly recognised that this was a dragon that hadn't been seen in years,' he said. 'We went back for a search the next day and found several more. Some of them were on top of rocks, some were under rocks, and others were sitting out in the open, but curled up really cryptically, mimicking the rocks themselves.' Because the hidden dragon appeared visually unique when studied last century, it was placed in its own solitary genus called Cryptagama. But new genetic material collected from 2016 onwards that Melville and her team examined, confirmed it was actually part of the Ctenophorus genus. 'Ctenophorus is the biggest genus of dragon lizards. We revised its taxonomy to take it out of the genus Cryptagama and into the genus Ctenophorus, which means it's now Ctenophorus aurita,' Melville said. Her team says this new research into the hidden dragon, "completes the puzzle" of our understanding of the genetic lineages of known Australian dragon species. These findings were published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy in June. It's not the first time lizards from other genera have been reclassified as Ctenophorus, a genus with remarkable diversity. Researchers have discovered earless dragons that were once classified as Tympanocryptis are actually genetically Ctenophorus. It also includes fast-moving Central Australian sand-dwelling military dragons and robust netted dragons that live in the desert. 'It's really interesting that one related group of lizards has spread across these arid and semi-arid environments across all the different habitats available, from rocky deserts to sandy deserts, with this diversity of morphology,' she said. 200-year-old mistake corrected after 'suspicious' details emerge Details in satellite photos spark 'worrying' prediction Tourists almost kill 'world's oldest' creature There's a key reason researchers need to describe these rare and cryptic species in such detail — it's often the only way to ensure they aren't wiped out. It was Melville's 2019 paper that revealed what was believed to be one species of grassland earless dragons in the eastern states was actually four. Crucially, this meant at the time that two of them, the Victorian and Bathurst species, could have been extinct as they hadn't been observed in decades. This would have been the first time a reptile had gone extinct in the wild on mainland Australia. The Victorian species was rediscovered at one site in 2023, and it's unlikely to exist anywhere else in the wild, and researchers are still searching for evidence that the Bathurst species survives. The world is undergoing a human-driven mass extinction event, believed to be wiping out species 1,000 to 10,000 times what would naturally be occurring. In Australia, habitat destruction, climate change and the spread of invasive species all remain key threats to native wildlife. There's no doubt that some small species with limited home ranges have vanished entirely without anyone ever knowing they existed, a phenomenon referred to as silent extinction. Melville thinks it's entirely possible there could be more species of dragon lizard, camouflaged in remote parts of Australia still waiting to be described. 'It wouldn't completely surprise me if there were,' she said. 'I was up in the Kimberley some time, up on the Mitchell Plateau, and I saw a dragon that was completely different. We called it Diporiphora pallida and it's the only one that's ever been caught. They could be up there everywhere, but no one goes there.' Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
