The flowers of July ...

Flowers have meaning and can “speak” for us when words are hard to find. The flowers of this summer month are larkspur and water lily. Both varieties are dramatic and are considered to offer positivity, grace, and dignity.

The larkspur’s message is to enjoy every moment of every day; to celebrate life! Ancient beliefs were that larkspur could protect from witches’ spells and evil spirits.

The colors of larkspur have different meanings: blue is trust and support, purple is charm and spirituality, pink is gentleness and fickleness, and white is innocence and purity. This deer resistant flower likes full sun and will bloom April through September.

The water lily symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and majesty. It is considered to be a religious symbol in many parts of the world, and with that carries different meanings. Red lilies symbolize love and passion, purple is for mystic power, white is mental purity, blue is knowledge, and pink represents the highest deity.

The blossoms can be used in lakes and ponds to deter the growth of algae and to offer a respite of shade to fish and frogs. The pretty flowers that float atop the water only bloom for four days from May to September.