The history of the forget-me-not
The name "forget-me-not" comes from an old German legend. According to the legend, a knight and his lover were walking along the bank of a river. The knight picked some of the little blue flowers for her, but slipped and fell into the water. As he was swept away by the river, he cried, "Don't forget me!". This tragic story gave the flower its German name and symbolises eternal love and remembrance.
Cultivation and care
Forget-me-nots belong to the Boraginaceae family and prefer moist, shady growing sites. They flower in spring and early summer. The small flowers usually have five petals and are a bright blue colour.
Forget-me-nots are relatively easy to care for and ideal for novice gardeners.
Here are some tips for growing them successfully:
- Location choice: Choose a location with semi-shade to shady light. Direct sunlight can burn the delicate flowers.
- Soil: The plants prefer well-drained, moist soil. A high humus content in the soil promotes growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
- Sowing: The best time to sow is in late spring or early autumn. Shred the seed paper with forget-me-not seeds and spread it over the soil, then cover everything lightly with a thin layer of soil. You'll find a step-by-step explanation in our planting instructions for growing paper.
Symbolism and use
Forget-me-nots are popular not only for their beauty, but also for their deep symbolic meaning. They symbolise love, remembrance and loyalty. In the Victorian era, these flowers were often used in bouquets to convey secret messages. Today, they are often used in memorial services and as a token of remembrance of deceased loved ones.
The flower has also found a permanent place in literature and art. Famous poets and writers have immortalised the forget-me-not in their works. One of the most famous examples is Goethe, who sang the flower in his poems.
Conclusion
Forget-me-nots are more than just pretty little flowers. They symbolise the eternity of memories and the permanence of love. Their easy care and ability to thrive in different environments make them a wonderful addition to any garden. Whether they stand in a shady patch of forest or as a loving memento in a bouquet, forget-me-nots bring beauty and meaning to our lives.
Consider giving this seed packet as a gift to someone you want to say "Don't forget mine!".
