The dianthus is a beautiful flower that's sometimes called "carnation". It also goes by the name sweet william or pinks. There are more than 100 varieties of this perennial. The name dianthus is Greek and means "heavenly flower". Dianthus grows well in soil that drains, that's neutral or slightly alkaline, and that is in full sun. It has a flavor that is spicy, peppery, and clove-like, making it especially useful as a pretty addition to a green, garden salad or spreads and dips. The dianthus is the birth flower for people born in January.
A lovely thought... I remember when I first garnished a salad with a daylily at your suggestion. It was beautiful, but people were a little nervous. Wonder what it'd be like to serve tea with flower bits floating about. Ha!
ReplyDeleteEdible flowers are such fun to add to tea or to use as a garnish on the sandwich or dessert plates. Right now, I'm having fun using wild violets as they are abundant in the spring garden.
ReplyDeleteOh, didn't know it was the flower of those born in January. My sister would be one of them! Thanks for sharing. Susan
ReplyDeleteLovely! There's a special dedication to selecting flowers for the Japanese Tea Ceremony. It's called Chabana. It's a study unto itself! I love flowers + tea.
ReplyDeleteI do love dianthus. I left "Sweet William" on my grandfathers grave the first time I visited there. His name was William and I thought it appropriate.
ReplyDeletePretty little pink flowers! Thanks for your comment on my blog and FB! I tried to reply by clicking on your blog name of my blog comment, and it wouldn't take me to your blog.??
ReplyDeleteNot sure what happened, thought you might like to know.
Katherine
Sweet William...now that brings back memories. My dad was named William...and my mom always had Sweet Williams in her garden. I'm a January child...so the carnation is my flower.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by 'My Front Porch'. Judy