The Goldenrod & The Chrysanthemum. 

The goldenrod has been in full bloom for about four weeks — I will say that it’s a plant that just sings to me. I love it.

I’ve recently made a beautiful golden-hued oil infusion of the goldenrod flower. It is our own local version of Arnica, and can be used to rub into those oh-so-sore muscles… am wondering how a salve blended with my infused oil of goldenrod, oil of yarrow and oil of St. John’s Wort might work for smoothing out kinks, bumps, and pains … it seems to me like it might be a quite divine rub.

As for the chrysanthemum, I don’t cultivate it, though I did discover a supposed variety (classification unknown) in my yard earlier in the summer. It possessed a strong aromatic scent similar to the dried variety I use frequently for tea. 

I do very much enjoy the infusion of the dried chrysanthemum blossoms for a beverage - both warm and iced - every now and again.  I find that it soothes an upset tummy and calms the nerves. My chrysanthemum flower buds are from a tea shop in China. My husband brought some back to me on his last business visit. And am now wondering what variety to try to grow myself for my teas… Anyone??

And just now, while I was thinking of the chrysanthemum… I read that the Meijer Gardens will be hosting a dramatic display of chrysanthemums as part of their fall exhibits.

And did you know that “Chryso” is the Greek root of Chrysanthemum that translated means gold? So, that said, I am obsessed right now with the gold flower of the chrysanthemum and the goldenrod.

Seems fitting to go golden as the fall colors transition that way at the end of such a glorious summer.