Our forebears found many uses for spring flowers, and here are three that are worth reviving, says
Amy Barnard
Flower power
Without a doubt, fresh flowers are one of life’s most simple and uplifting pleasures. Many beautiful literary works and personal journals, such as The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, describe the joys of an English spring and document the changes of the unfolding season in tender detail.
The Victorians were also known for their love of flowers, codifying various folk associations into the structured ‘language of flowers’ many of us are familiar with today. They also invented extra excuses in April for celebrating them!
First Sunday in April: Daffodil Sunday
Victorian people would go walking on this day with their families to collect daffodils to give to the sick. The innate sunniness of this particular flower makes it an excellent choice to brighten the mood and raise the spirits.
Why not try: Pressed daffodils made into a card to send a message of love and cheer.
Method: Make sure the flower is fully dry and cut the stem as close as possible to allow the bloom to lay flat. If the daffodil is a short cup variety, it can be pressed face-up, otherwise, lay the flower sideways. Pressing the stems and leaves separately will allow you to use them as accent pieces.
Lay the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper and place in a flower press or underneath a really heavy book. Leave to sit for three to four weeks. White PVA glue used sparingly will dry to a clear finish, and is an easy way to attach the flowers to the card.
19th April: Primrose Day
Honouring the prime minister Benjamin Disraeli, who died in 1881, continued into the 1920s. Primroses were his favourite flower.
Why not try: Candied primroses to decorate a cake or jelly. Primroses are edible, mild in flavour and add an ethereal beauty to delicious desserts.
Method: Wash the flowers thoro
