Botanica .. Make A Wish
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Botanica .. Make A Wish
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
~ Kahlil Gibran
* ---------------------------- *
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]
* ---------------------------- *
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.
This dainty little bud the size of my fingerail is just beginning to open in the glowing light. There is promise of new life here, new beginnings ahead. Make a wish! .. and may all that you wish for, come true.
* ---------------------------- *
♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :
Tranquility
Serenity and Minimalism Outdoors
Spa and Salon Art
Nature Photography
Thoughts of Flowers
First Friday Gallery
Global Flowers Photography
Flower Mania
All About Nature
Macro Marvels
* ---------------------------- *
This image is part of the Botanica Series
Uploaded
September 25th, 2015
Statistics
Viewed 626 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/19/2024 at 9:06 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Similar Images
Comments (57)
The Creative Minds Art and Photography
astrantia is another of my favourite flowers, it grows wild here in Bavaria and I capture these every summer...pls take a look at my redbubble portfolio here: http://www.redbubble.com/people/angel1/portfolio/astrantia
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you... but I'd rather see it here :)) {perhaps you can upload onto FAA}
Maggie Terlecki
I have no idea what kind of flower this is, but it is so beautifully photographed - perfect composition, perfect focus and light. You have made it magical and make me believe that all my wishes would come true if I whispered my deepest desires to this beauty. Your photography is amazing! :-) Maggie
Connie Handscomb replied:
The Masterwort description on the sidebar, Maggie, might help describe it a bit; ... it is very tiny , size of my fingernail; oh my goodness, what a compliment .... from someone so very, very talented .. you're so kind :))
Bill Morgenstern
Simply beautiful Connie. I also appreciate the time and effort you put into your descriptive information on your floral images. There is much to learn and you are a fine teacher with your well composed and friendly writing style. F&L - Bill
Connie Handscomb replied:
I'm so glad you have taken notice of them, Bill; thank you for that! .. & for your wonderful support which is so very much appreciated.. :))
Connie Handscomb
A nice surprise here, Joanna! thank you! for the lovely feature in All About Nature :))
Jeannie Rhode Photography
Connie, Sharing my Congratulations on your recent Feature in Thoughts of Flowers !
RussianArtists NewWave
Gorgeous minimalistic rendition, Connie! Love the muted tones and dreamy touch!
Connie Handscomb
Jasna, hello! & thank you! for featuring this image in Global Flowers Photography :))
Guido Strambio
Lovely title for a marvellous capture, gorgeous depth and pleasing light from the background! l/f
Lisa Phillips
Connie, your beautiful work has been featured in the FAA group "Thoughts of Flowers". http://fineartamerica.com/groups/thoughts-of-flowers.html
Maria Hunt
I am so enjoying my stroll through your gallery. Your work is sensitive, elegantly composed and touches the heart. F/L
Connie Handscomb replied:
Your kind, thoughtful .. wonderful! comment .. just made my day, Maria .. as it touched MY heart .. :; thank you so very much!! :))
Recently Viewed
