January Sunshine
Some people simply gladden my heart and make me smile. I wonder why that is. They don’t have to do anything or say anything. They simply have to come within my field of vision or pop into my thoughts. My friend Ruth is one of those people.
Yesterday she appeared at my door with a little pot of bright yellow primroses and a big smile. “Here is your primrose!” she announced, just as though it had burst into bloom with my name written all over it! What a delightful way to brighten my day!
I love primroses and so, apparently, do deer and maybe slugs. I don’t have much luck putting them in the garden unless I remember to guard diligently against attack. At this time of year, that probably won’t happen – too dark, too cold, too wet out there! I intend to keep these sunshiny blossoms nearby until my wimpy gardening habits can assure it good nurture below our library window. Or maybe just east of the big stump where I can better keep my eye on it.
Accordingly, I did a little primrose research. I wasn’t surprised to find that its name was once “prime rose” (or the Latin “prima rosa”) because, in much of Europe, it is the one of the first flowers of spring.
I was surprised to find that, under appropriate’ conditions, primroses can cover the ground in open woods and shaded hedgerows. And, in many countries picking primroses or removing primrose plants from the wild is illegal. That law is presumably meant for human foragers, not for deer.
How I wish my garden offered the ‘appropriate’ conditions! Apparently, primroses were once a common sight in Victorian cottage gardens. (They were Mr. Disraeli’s favorite flower.) It would be grand if we could revive that look for Oysterville!
I was also interested to learn that primrose flowers and leaves are edible. I guess the habits of the deer people should have been a clue. The leaves are said to vary in taste between a mild lettuce flavor and more bitter salad greens. I’m not really tempted to go that route – I’d rather feast my eyes on their lovely blossoms.
So, once again Ruth has caused me to smile and smile some more. And, no doubt, I’ll be smiling at every glimpse of primrose from now on. Thanks, Ruth!
Primroses gladden the heart when they turn up at the store this time of year, letting us know that Spring is out there somewhere. I am always loath to buy them just yet lest it be too tempting to Jack Frost who isn’t necessarily gone yet! Our lawn was frozen when we arrived in Ilwaco Saturday night. Brrrr. I was glad that Amy and her cough and red nose stayed home!