Cow Parsley

There's a great, great number of cow parsley growing in the woods
near Markie's school. The footpath edges and hedgerows are draped
with their tiny, lacy white flowers. It was very beautiful there this morning, almost magical.

Cow parsley flowers are so dainty and pretty and there were so many
 of them along the path that I was tempted to take some home with me.
 I don't normally pick wild flowers but today I did. I couldn't resist!
I'm sure no one would mind but even then I still felt a little guilty gathering a few sprigs.

When we got home I arranged my posy in one of my favourite jugs.
Here it is in our bedroom: I think it looks lovely. 

I've just found out that cow parsley is also known as Queen Anne's
Lace and have enjoyed learning more about the fascinating legend behind the name. I also came across a poem about cow parsley
 by Mary Leslie Newton titled 'Queen Anne's Lace' and I'd like to
share it here:

Queen Anne, Queen Anne
 has washed her lace
(She chose a summer's day)
And hung it on a grassy place
To whiten, if it may.

Queen Anne, Queen Anne
has left it there
And slept the dewy night;
And waked to find the sunshine fair,
And all the meadows white.

Queen Anne, Queen Anne
is dead and gone,
(She died a summer's day)
But left her lace to whiten on,
Each weed-tangled way!


Another thing I learned about this wild flower is that its
 blossoming signals the start of summer. Well, not around here
today, but in the coming days perhaps? I really hope so. We're
 due a summer now, don't you think? Anyway, you can probably tell
 I'm a bit smitten by these white, lace-like flowers. If I have to choose
a favourite wild flower I think this will be the one.

Thanks for stopping here. Enjoy your evening!