Botanica .. Spray Of Light
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Botanica .. Spray Of Light
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
Light is the great priestess of landscape.
~ John O'Donohue [fr. Beauty]
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Imperatorial ostruthium
Family : Umbelliferae
Astrantia bavarica, Astrantia carniolica, Astrantia major, Astrantia maxima, Astrantia minor
Family : Apiaceae
While today, the Astrantias are now used primarily as garden ornamentals, centuries ago it was used medicinally. The botanist and herbalist, John Gerard, published a famous illustrated botany book in 1597 - 'Great Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes� (1480 pages!) - wherein the Masterwort is first described.
He describes the 'vertues' of the 'wilde Masterwort' this way:
"Herbe Gerard with his roots stamped and laid upon members that are troubled or vexed with the gout, swageth the paine, and taketh away the swelling and inflammations thereof, which occasioned the Germanes to give it the name Podagraria because of his vertues in curing the gout."
The root is the strongest part of the plant. Stomach and female ailments are aided with the use of Masterwort, and it is used in the treatment of migraines.
This beautiful wildflower is rarely found in its natural habitat any more. If it is to be found, it would most likely be in a cool meadow.
A wee bit of folklore: growing Masterwort in your garden will protect your family and home. If there is a habit you want to be rid of, or a project to complete, carry a piece of the plant with you to enhance your willpower.
Sources:
Wikipedia ; also the blog: "Name That Plant"
Gerard's Herbal [John Gerard's Historie of Plants']; ed. Marcus Woodward
The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants [S. Gregg]
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Taken in natural light ; Undedited; Uncropped, : Nature in all its natural splendour.
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Falling in love with this photogenic plant was easy to do: a step backward, a slight turn, a play with the Light ... and another magical image emerged. There were no digital enhancements to these images, merely Light frolicking with this fantasy flora presenting us with an aura of delicate delights, a series of ever-changing colours.
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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :
All About Nature
Global Flowers Photography
Images That Excite You
First Friday Gallery
The green paradise
Pacific Northwest Artists
The Niche
10 Plus
Bath and Spa Prints
Uploaded
August 9th, 2015
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Viewed 1,439 Times - Last Visitor from Ottawa, ON - Canada on 04/16/2024 at 9:39 AM
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Comments (78)
Maggie Terlecki
Connie, you are definitely a fantastic photographer, the under the flower point of view is fabulous as is that wonderful bokeh behind. The light is magnificent!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Maggie , you are so kind... I have to say: I will be practicing with the lens for the rest of my days .. ; I do enjoy playing with the Light .. it often inspires me :))
Connie Handscomb
Patricia, thank you so very much! for featuring this image in Pacific Northwest Artists :))
Connie Handscomb
Philippe, Hello! & thank you so much for featuring this image in The green paradise! :))
RussianArtists NewWave
Beautiful dream of nature, Connie! such a soothing feel!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you, RussianArtists! love to see you visiting me.. I appreciate your support & comments so very much! :))
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