Thursday, May 24, 2018

Be Still

Today I have a card to share that features a photo I took in my garden.
The plant is Solomon's Seal and I purchased it many years ago at the Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA.   It tends to spread so you need to put it in an area that you want it to fill!

This is one area I planted it in our front yard under our beautiful Japanese Maple.  
There are a few other plants here as well - but the Solomon's seal takes up the whole left side! 
I will probably prune some out at the end of this season!
Here's a little info on the history of the Solomon's Seal plant for all you gardeners out there! 

I Googled it and found this info here.
Solomon's Seal is named for King Solomon of Hebrew lore who was granted great wisdom by the Hebrew God and had a special seal that aided him in his magical workings, allowing him to command demons without coming to harm. According to herbal lore, King Solomon himself placed his seal upon this plant when he recognized its great value. Those with imagination can see the seal on the rootstock in the circular scars left by the stem after it dies back.

Solomon's Seal has a rich history that goes back many thousands of years. Herbalists and healers, both in Europe and North America and the Far East, have written about its diverse effects on numerous conditions. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Natural Resources Conservation Service) identified Solomon's Seal as a Culturally Significant Plant, noting its medicinal and restorative value among North American Tribal (Original Nation) peoples. It is our understanding that the National Institutes of Health is presently researching the benefits of Solomon's Seal for heart health.

My card was inspired by the following challenges:
Splitcoaststampers - Ways to Use it Challenge: Picture This
Use a photo

I was inspired by the sketch
I was inspired by all the natural greenery 
Stamps: Everyday Blessings - PTI
Paper: Rustic Cream, Cocoa Bean - PTI, Blue Distress Coredinations, Watercolor paper - Canson, Worn Wallpaper - Idea-ology/Tim Holtz
Ink:Hero Hues Black
Accessories:  personal photo, scallop die - Ali Express/China

11 comments:

Shauna said...

How nice! I like how you incorporated the nature photo... very original! The serene verse is a great addition. Thanks for playing with us at Inkspirational!
- Shauna

Christine Alexander said...

Beautiful Julia, your garden must be spectacular :)

sandie said...

Well we learn a new thing everyday...thank you for the info on this plant. I found it very interesting. And what a fabulous photo and so like our photo...I can see how it inspired your card. Lovely paper you have combined it with. Great to see you at Ink

Susan said...

Beautiful card with the photo of your Solomon Seal. I love gardening too, so was fascinated by your write-up with the historical information on Solomon Seal - thanks for including it.

Mac Mable said...

Love how you used the photo of your pretty Solomon Seal and yes it would make a wonderful filler in the garden. Elegant and pretty card x

Bonnie said...

Beautiful foliage with those tiny flowers! Thanks for adding the history of this plant. Very interesting! Pretty card too!

Jane said...

Beautiful! Thanks for joining in with the Inspired by Nature Challenge at AAA Cards.

Loll said...

Gorgeous card using one of your photos Julia. I LOVE Solomon's Seal and have it right beside my front stairs. It's so beautiful and I love the big frond-like leaves, especially when it rains and the raindrops bead up on the leaves. Your tree and underplantings in your yard are beautiful! And what a great way to show small pieces of your garden at a time in a card. xx

Linda Callahan said...

I love how you featured your photo on a card! Beautiful. Glad you shared it at Fusion!

LucieGCards said...

Oooh! What a clever idea to use a photo from your garden! Great take on our challenge theme! Thanks for playing along with us at AAA Cards!

Lyndal said...

Gorgeous card & beautiful garden Julia! So glad you joined in the fun @ FUSION - hope to see you again soon!