The History of Flowers with Noel Kingsbury

Flowers have totally mesmerized people for ages with their awesome colors, shapes, and smells. We're totally obsessed with them, and they've been a huge part of our cultures, traditions, and personal bonds for as long as we can remember. In this episode, we're going to talk about the history of flowers with a celebrated garden writer, Noel Kingsbury. We'll explore the history and meanings behind flowers, how they've evolved alongside pollinators, and the special relationships we have with these amazing plants.

In this episode, we learn:

• [05:22] When did Noel’s passion for plants and flowers start?
• [07:41] Noel shares his earliest plant memory
• [08:47] The inspiration behind Noel's book “The Story of Flowers”?
• [11:19] What is cultivation and how has it changed throughout the centuries?
• [12:43] Similarities and differences observed in the various human civilizations
• [15:37] Difference between high and low culture in plant profiles
• [16:32] Why is dahlia considered a low-brow flower in old British history?
• [18:36] Where can you find handcrafted wind chimes perfect for wedding and housewarming gifts?
• [20:13] Where can you find all your potting mix, planting soil, and fertilizer needs for gardening?
• [22:18] Are orchids considered high-class flowers?
• [23:54] What is the significance of flowers' affordability and accessibility throughout history?
• [25:30] Symbolism of the Iris flower in different cultures and civilizations
• [28:16] How flowers create a sense of identification and long-term connections with people
• [31:08] Why flowers and pollinators are in a lockstep co-evolutionary relationship.
• [33:47] What fact surprised Noel the most in his research about flowers?
• [36:17] Interesting facts about common flowers found in your garden
• [39:15] What brought Noel to Portugal? 
• [39:29] Opium poppies have a complicated history with varying legalities
• [40:48] What lotus flowers symbolize
• [42:06] What is Noel’s favorite flower?
• [43:25] Where can you find Noel on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Book by Noel Kingsbury The Story of Flowers: And How They Changed the Way We Live
• Thursday Garden Chat for Garden Masterclass
• Book by Jane Perrone Legends of the Leaf

For a full list of flowers and their symbolism,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Wind River Chimes

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Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Espoma Organic

Grow an abundance of flowers with the right products! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar powered plant, zero waste manufacturing and eco-friendly packaging.

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

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