Flower of the Gods
BEFORE SHOPS LINED THEIR SHELVES with brightly bottled perfumes; before craft stores sold artificial blooms for décor; before people enjoyed daily (or even weekly) showers and baths, there were flowers. And as humans evolved, so did the ways in which we used them, from covering up body odor to communicating affection. Our modern-day flower market is now filled with highly hybridized varieties, primarily bought for the vase, that lack the scent or appearance of the cultivars from centuries ago. However, as heirlooms continue to capture people’s attention, more of these flowers of old are reclaiming the spotlight.
One of the oldest and perhaps most beloved, spp. — the alternately dubbed pink family — is a genus known for its eye-catching colors, delicately frilled petals, and strong, clove-like fragrance. And in a world where tantalizing flower scents are growing thinner, the importance and allure of pinks can’t be overlooked. You’ potential by growing cultivars in your garden, using it in your cooking, and accenting your bouquets with the fragrance and beauty of these blooms.
