The dainty Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica), is a European native now naturalized throughout much of North America.
This harbinger of spring and member of the Borage family, prefers moist habitats and partial shade along the edge of trees or woodland.
Once planted, they’ll likely always be there! They seed readily but are easily removed if one feels they’re starting to take over the garden.
Medieval lore states a knight errant and his lady walked along a river, and that gentleman bent down to pick his lady-love a bouquet of these blue flowers.
Unfortunately, he lost his footing on some slippery rocks and fell into the river. The weight of his armor was too much. His last words cried out before being claimed by the depths was “Forget-me-not”!
To this day, the forget-me-not is given to someone who you hope will keep you in their thoughts.
With that in mind, they grow throughout my garden as a remembrance of my mother who has been gone for many years, along with many other people and yes, pets too!
For all who have passed on but are still wrapped around our hearts and forever in our minds, this little flower is a lovely reminder for us all.
Happy Mother’s Day 🙂
I love these little flowers and I did not know the story. Thanks!
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Thank you, Anne! My Grandma told me that story a long time ago. Wishing I’d asked where she had heard it. 🙂
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I have some touch me not flowers in my garden .
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Yes, we have them here as well! Impatiens capensis, also called Orange jewelweed.
I found a video showing the seed pods exploding upon being touched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubJ6JQd5pzE – interesting to see!
Jewelweed is also treatment for poison ivy and poison oak; and is a folk remedy for many other skin disorders. A great plant to know!
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So time consuming but still worth it.
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Absolutely worth it. Thanks!
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I didn’t realize these were for Mother’s Day. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you, BBH! I have a thing for blue flowers, and these little gems make me think of my mom. She loved them, too. Fitting, since they flower in and around Mother’s day. 🙂
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They are quite lovely!
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Thank you! They look the best growing en masse. Like a river of blue flowers. My favourite time of the year. 🙂
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