lady's smocks-

but only in places

of interest

Intriguing ku. Like a circular argument (tautology) on the surface — "of interest" because the cuckoo flowers are there; but, also a somewhat risqué double entendre? - jp

I N F O

Cardamine pratensis known as lady's smock was considered to be a fairy flower and for this reason was never taken into the house. It was never used in May Day garlands or wedding boquets for if it was then ‘surely the fairies would steal you away and be never seen again.’ Being one of the large mustard family the plant was used as a substitute for water cress having a similar peppery taste. It was named Cuckoo Flower because its flowers appeared when the cuckoo started to sing. Sometimes referred to as Our Lady's Smock and said to represent the Virgin Mary in Christianity. Other names include: Milkmaids, Lady�s Smock, Cuckoo Flower, Bread and milk and Meadow cress. - P J Hosey

It was associated with milkmaids hence the nickname Lady's smock. It also had more sinister connections and it was once believed that, if you picked the flower and took it into your house, it would be struck by lightning. - Myths & Legends

“When daisies pied and violets blue,

And lady-smocks all silver-white,

And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue

Do paint the meadows with delight”

William Shakespeare

Bearing this supernatural aspect of lady's smocks (aka: cuckoo flower, bread and milk and meadow cress), the following video is a work in progress. An experiment in coming to grips with evoking moods to associate with images and their related ku. A foolish notion, but a lot of fun. . .

http://is.gd/haiku_crossroads production by http://bit.ly/geodesic-eye

music sampled from http://is.gd/Millefleurs

Variable perennial of damp, grassy places indicating rich ground or ground moisture . Also known as lady's smock. Has basal rosette of pinnately divided leaves; the lobes are rounded. Pale lilac or white flowers appear April June and are 12 - 20 mm across. Colour depends on habitat White (Shady) Purple Mauve ( (Dry) Widespread and locally common. Height up to 50cm. - Judy Woods

One of the folk names for Cardamine pratensis is meadow cress. The reason being (apart from its herbal remedy properties for cramps) is as an equally pungent substitute for watercress. . .

The leaves, young stems and flowers (as well as stem and flower buds) are all edible. A few of the leaves and flowers make an interesting addition to salads or sandwiches, but the shoots should be blanched before serving to remove the worst of their bitterness. - Wild Food Guide

It must be said that learning more about wild food and its preparation is on my list of things to get into more. Here's a recipe for lady's smocks (God bless 'em) for starters. . .

Lady’s Smock & Three Cornered Leek Salad

In this simple wild food recipe, I combine Lady’s Smock with Three Cornered Leek and

tomatoes for a quick and easy side-salad. . . read on

Yummy!

mindful

jp 18-05-13

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http://is.gd/ladys_smocks