COSMOS

This bouquet of cosmos reminds me of my Grandma Ohm. She grew these flowers—and many others—in our farm garden.

I remember vividly where the cosmos were planted and how they grew. They were “edger” flowers that bordered the lawn, along with four o’clocks, cockscomb, dahlias, gladioli, sweet peas, bachelor’s buttons, marigolds, nasturtiums, zinnias—and more. The cosmos grew tall, appeared delicate and moved gracefully with the wind.

In our home, house bouquets were something my sister and I brought in. These offerings were welcomed, but they weren’t considered a “must have.” There were “house” plants and there were garden flowers. Each had its place…rather like cats whose place was in the barn!

Adults made bouquets for Memorial Day. On Memorial Day, gravesites were visited and flowers were left there in remembrance. Bouquets of irises, peonies, bridal wreath and mock orange branches are what I recall.

When cosmos appeared at the flower class this week, I wondered: Where did the name “cosmos” come from? I was confident the explanation would make perfect sense--and it did.

Spanish priests grew the flower in their mission gardens in Mexico. The evenly placed petals led them to name the flower “Cosmos,” the Greek word for harmony or ordered universe.

The description fits my grandmother perfectly. She exuded peace, balance, centeredness and serenity.

I look at these simple flowers in this simple but elegant crystal vase, which I love, and I am calmed—as surely as if I were in the presence of my Grandmother Ohm.

Comments

[naomi]

bethene, learned so much from this post--about you, grandma, cosmos. like how you brought it all together--reflecting on where you come from, what you carry of family.