Yarrow flowers.

 The yarrow flower � which is a member of the extensive asteraceae family � is known by many names, from common yarrow all the way to old man�s pepper. Sprouting from the genus achillea, this plant is native to areas of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, North America, and regions of Asia. The leaves of this flower may be either tripinnate or bipinnate and have a distinctively feathery appearance. The inflorescent head of this blossom may have between 4 to 9 bracts, and they all contain between 15 to 40 disk flowers, and 3 to 8 ray flowers which develop in a round or oval shaped cluster. These clusters may form in colours of light yellow, pink or white.

 The yarrow flower got it�s scientific name � achillea millefolium � from the Greek myth of Achilles, who was said to have brought the plant into existence by dropping the rusted metal scraping of his spear to the earth below him, where flowers then sprang forth. In other stories it is said that the ancient Greeks frequently used yarrow flowers to staunch the bleeding and prevent infection from the wounds of fallen soldiers. Today, the yarrow flower is well loved by herbalists and holistic healers, as this plant has a number of medicinal uses. 

 They are sometimes dried and placed into capsules to help detoxify the body; they are used in teas to treat everything from poor digestion to headaches, and poultices are sometimes created to help in curing skin problems, heal infections and stop nosebleeds. In addition to having a myriad of curative effects, the yarrow flower has quite a history in magic. The dried flowers are occasionally used in divination � from reading your future by the way the leaves fall, to divining the names of future lovers.

 They are also used as talismans to protect yourself or others from evil. The leaves may seen scattered along doorways to keep bad people from entering your home; tied to the cradle of a newborn to keep its soul safe, or simply as an amulet to protect against physical, emotional or financial harm. Yarrow flowers are also favored by crafters, as these plants are easy to dry and arrange into a number of artistic pieces.

Yarrow flowers are often thought to represent both healing and inspiration. Many people give these blossoms as gifts to symbolize their concern for the recipient�s well-being, or to help them find joy and illumination in their lives. Although these flowers can look lovely on their own, they are frequently placed in large arrangements � sometimes as a filler plant. However, there are many ways that you can present it � from a fresh or dried bouquet to a handcrafted piece of protective, meaningful jewelry.

Foxgloves flowers.

Foxglove is a mainstay of the spring garden, where it occasionally reseeds if it finds the site to its liking. (In fact, the pea-sized capsules produce millions of small seeds.) This beautiful plant prefers full sun or medium shade and occasionally persists for 3-4 years if the border it�s growing in is open and the clump isn�t crowded by neighboring plants. It does best in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil that receives some water during the summer.

The plant is easy to grow from seed, which is best started outside in a flowerpot or flat in May or June. Just scatter the tiny seeds lightly on top of the potting mix and keep the medium moist until germination. In just 4-5 weeks, the seedlings should be ready for transplanting to a larger container. Be sure to fertilize your growing rosettes with a slow-release fertilizer.

Your foxgloves need some �in-ground� time to get established before the onset of cold weather. So when your rosettes are ready for the garden in September, make sure you plant them right where you want them for best results.

Use your foxgloves as single accent plants in the perennial border or in groups in whatever sunny spot for bold swaths of color. And remember, foxglove is toxic, so keep yours away from areas where children and pets play or where they can get into it. 

Holly hocks flowers.

 During July and August there is no plant which adds so much to the stateliness of the flower garden as the Hollyhock.

 Hollyhock flowers, in rich and delicate colours, from the deepest crimsons and maroons, to blush pinks, whites and pale yellows, are borne in a long succession on tall stems 1 - 3 metres high.

Most hollyhocks are technicallybiennials - producing leaves the first year and flowers the next. However they often last longer than two years and so can be described as short lived perennials.

 The beauty of the hollyhock flower is much enhanced when displayed against a background such as a grey wall, fence, tall green hedge or a border of evergreen shrubs - yet hollyhocks should not really be planted close to hedges or shrubs as they both usually have very hungry roots which will take the nutrients needed by the hollyhock plant.

Hollyhocks seem especially at home in country towns and suburbs and thrive well in corners and narrow flower borders near walls where they are protected in the winter from execessive wet conditions. They are very drought resistant.

 The small annual hollyhock 'Majorette Mixed' which has large semi-double blooms is ideal to grow in a flower border with other annuals and perrenials.

The hollyhock is a favourite in the cottage garden

As hollyhocks grow to a great height and are often exposed to the full force of the wind it is best to provide strong stakes assupport.Hollyhocks love a deep, rich, loamy soil - but they will often thrive without it.

If you water hollyhocks during the summer months give them a thorogh soaking, followed by a mulch of well rotted manure.

There is a long succession of flowers, and as the lower blooms fade they should be picked off so that the plant is not weakened by the production of seed.When flowering is over for the season the plants may be cut down to about 15 - 20 centimetres high and the stump covered with coal ashes, if available. This keeps the slugs and snails away and causes water to drain away from the soft stem.

If taken care of in this way, hollyhock plants will often last for several yearsA stock of young plants of a favourite variety of hollyhock can easily be raised by selecting short side shoots form the base of a plant during September and October.

Insert the shoots into pots or trays and place in a closed shaded frame until the leaves become plump - a small amount of ventilation can then be given; too much will cause the leaves to wither.

As soon as the shoots have rooted give full light and air.

Holly hocks flowers.