Friday Flowers Club #16~Whin

Hello Friends.

We took an long overdue trip to the Scottish Highlands last week to visit my brother. Five days of sanctuary and exploration in and around Inverness that brought me back into alignment with my heritage, an opportunity to rediscover much of what it means to me to be from Scotland.

It struck me one morning, after a swim in Loch Ness and whilst foraging in the woodland around Dores village, that whilst overlooked, there is perhaps nothing more ‘Scottish’ than the humble Gorse, or ‘Whin’ as it is known in the Highlands. This evergreen was considered in folklore to be a symbol of fertility and was often added to bridal bouquets, but more pertinently here was also a symbol of the power of the sun; its vibrant yellow pea-like blooms (it is actually a member of the Pea family) liable to explode into colour at any time of year and permeate any season, including the gloom of a long dark November. An uplifting splash of yellow on a cold grey canvas.

It is also not lost on me that Whin is a commonality between my two most beloved areas, liable to be found in the uplands of our corner of Sheffield and out into the Peaks too. Another link from past to present.

The saying goes that when Gorse is out of bloom you should not kiss your loved ones, so because it can bloom all year there should never come a time where we are withholding love and affection towards each other. I like that idea. And so Whin is, to me, consistency. Togetherness. Scotland. Home.

Friday Flowers this week are moving from the autumnal colours and embracing the darker evenings as we slowly creep into winter with winter plum, dusky pink and deep reds.

For any bespoke arrangements or events please drop me a message.

Usual channels for ordering nicola@nicolagreenbotanica.com or 07714025618 to join my Friday Flowers Club WhatsApp group.

As always, “Bringing the Outdoors In”.

Thank you.

Nicola