Submitted by Joan Regan
A few years ago Wilmer Nadjiwon was visiting our garden and he noticed the Pulmonaria/Lungwort growing in a shady spot and he shared this story with us.
This pretty little flower with the polka dot leaves and dainty pink and blue flowers come spring was also known as Lungwort. It was/is used to aid any issues with lung or bronchial asthma, bronchitis or a simple chest cold. The leaves were chopped up and simmered and then drank to relieve symptoms (this was where the name Lungwort comes from).
I have a list somewhere??? of medicinal herbs and I remembered seeing this as well. I know my Mom had a few tricks up her sleeve when it came to Asthma, but I never paid attention to any of them (myself and my sister sure kept her up nights).
So, as well as being a bronchial cure, this pretty little polka dot plant is a show stopper when potted up. Dug up a few tiny ones in the paths out back… hope they are happy.
Astilbe
I’m thinking it was Connie that called awhile ago about her Astilbe that looked like it was starting to shut down. I suggested potting it up in a large container – she did and all is well again.
I did not have any luck with these plants, but I kept buying them??? Now that most of them are in large containers they are all huge and the blooms this summer were spectacular. I have found a couple more that have appeared with all the rain – must get them potted up as well.
A new one has caught my eye and it has come home to the Bury Road Gardens too. Misty Chocolate Cherry – sounds like a strippers name eh? Next summer she will join the others with her pretty burgundy leaves… might just have to have a Astilbe pot garden… hmmm??? Must keep my eye out for a sunnier spot for this endeavor.
It sure looks like a fall morning, the air is crisp, the sun is out ,the garden is happy and there is another cup of coffee left in the pot.
Happy Gardening,
I’m going for a garden stroll.
jpregan@amtelecom.net
519 596 2389
