Ranunculus is such a lovely multilayered flower. It looks like a camellia but comes in all the colors of the rainbow and is available from a florist all year. Stems of ranunculus make a luscious bouquet whether they are on their own or mixed with other flowers.
Just this past weekend deep fuchsia ranunculuses (or ranunculi—apparently both plural forms are acceptable) were used along with baby pink roses in the bride’s bountiful bouquet. To match, ranunculus was also used to decorate the beautifully creamy-white tiered wedding cake. The look was stunning!
I thought I had never seen a ranunculus growing in a garden. However, I just learned that the buttercup is a form of ranunculus and I have seen plenty of buttercups popping up in the yard. A buttercup is a much simpler form of a ranunculus than those typically used in bouquets, but I imagine a mass of buttercups would be a lovely posy for a backyard event.
As a child I played the buttercup game. Just hold a buttercup under your chin and if your chin glows yellow, it is proof that you love butter—I do love butter! So it is not surprising that the symbolic meaning of ranunculus means you are radiant and I am dazzled by your charms. What a perfect sentiment for the one you love!
Buttercup Days
By A. A. Milne
Where is Anne?
Head above the buttercups,
Walking by the stream,
Down among the buttercups.
Where is Anne?
Walking with her man,
Lost in a dream,
Lost among the buttercups.
What has she got in that little brown head?
Wonderful thoughts which can never be said.
What has she got in that firm little fist of hers?
Somebody’s thumb, and it feels like Christopher’s.
Where is Anne?
Close to her man.
Brown head, gold head,
In and out the buttercups.
XOXO Rachel
Wondrance 