Goosenecks are an herbaceous, hardy, non-native perennial of the Primrose family. In the Victorian language of flowers, Goosenecks symbolise peace and tranquility. We were gifted a pot of these beauties for our new garden when we moved into our home on Frei Street. It wasn’t long ’til they filled the entire flowerbed along one side of our deck.
There are two (related) fun facts about Goosenecks:
The Tale of the Wild Ox
The scientific name of Goosenecks is Lysimachia. According to 3,000-year-old Macedonian folklore, the genus was named after King Lysimachus of Thrace. Legend has it that the King was once being chased by a furious, charging wild ox. In a moment of desperation, he grabbed a handful of wayside flowers and waved it at the animal. The plant instantly pacified the beast, saving the King’s life. Because of this, the plant became a universal symbol of peace, tranquility, and “ending strife” (hence it’s common name “Loosestrife”). But wait, there’s more!
The Field Peacemaker
Based upon the lore of King Lysimachus, olde tyme European farmers believed so strongly in the plant’s calming energy that they would weave it into garlands to hang around the necks of oxen. If a team of beasts was known to be stubborn, quarrelsome, or prone to pulling against each other while pulling the plow, the farmers believed the flower would soothe their spirits and encourage them to work together in perfect harmony.
Graceful Line
A gift of green in a small clay pot,
Found a sunny, welcoming spot.
It arched its neck in a graceful line,
A sea of white by the deck’s design.
The summer air began to hum,
As hidden wings and wild bees come,
To dance among the curtsying tips,
And drink the sweetness from their lips.
’Til next time, y’all…
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