Delighting in Delphiniums

This past summer I started to grow delphiniums in the gardens at Struan Farm. However, it seems these flowers (like most!) have a history at the farm, they were grown for years by John's parents, had their own special corner of the garden and pride of place. John remembers a photograph of his maternal grandmother "Mae Mae" standing amidst them in a blue and white dress.

Delphiniums symbolize levity in Victorian flower terms. Their genus name is derived from the Greek word for "dolphin," while their common name is "larkspur." They are a staple of English cottage gardens. Looking at them closely they are quite fragile and beautiful, although apparently they are also poisonous!