Marigolds
Marigolds make great companions to other plants in your garden. Just ask any farmer or gardener and they will tell you to plant marigolds to keep those pesky rabbits and annoying insects out of your prized vegetables. The pests hate the smell. Nematodes (microscopic worms) and other organisms run from the marigold’s roots underground, and they will stay away for up to three years.
No annual is easier to grow than marigolds. They are a cheerful plant that is hardy and will typically grow anywhere, but like well-drained soil the best. They will bloom all season long right up to the first snowfall in some cases. Marigolds are generally, yellow, orange and red, and are a perfect tribute to your fall garden.
According to Herbalists at MDidea Extracts, “The marigold or Calendula flower was well-known to the old herbalists as a garden flower that also could be used for culinary or healing practices. It has been cultivated in the kitchen garden for the flowers, which are dried for broth, and said to comfort the heart and spirits.”
During the American Civil War, field doctors used the flowers of the marigold to accelerate healing in open wounds, promote blood clotting, cleanse the tissue, and prevent infection. The practice of using marigolds to heal soldiers continued until World War I.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac shares some “Wit & Wisdom” about marigolds in its 2012 edition by telling how, in the late 1960s, Burpee president David Burpee launched an energetic campaign to have marigolds named the national flower, but in the end, roses won out. In addition, they explain that for years, farmers have included the open-pollinated African marigold ‘Crackerjack’ in chicken feed to make egg yolks a darker yellow.
In short, Victor Hugo is correct when he states “Nature, like a kind and smiling mother, lends herself to our dreams and cherishes our fancies.” For the marigold smiles at us with her beautiful buds of sunshine, protects our dreams of good food and health, and can adorn any patio with pure fancy.
******* Please Visit Bringing Europe Home to view more “Quotes From The Masters”
Works Cited
Marigolds: how to Plant, Care, and Grow Marigolds. (2012). Retrieved from Old Farmer’s Almanac: http://www.almanac.com/plant/marigolds
What is Marigold or Calendula extract? (2010, Dec. 1). Retrieved from MDidea Extracts Professional: http://www.mdidea.com/products/herbextract/marigold/data06.html
Why Plant Marigolds in your Vegetable Garden? (2007, Dec 7). Retrieved from ToadStool Aquaponics: http://toadstoolponds.wordpress.com/2007/12/07/why-plant-marigolds-in-your-vegetable-garden/
Copyright © Jamie Nowinski and Grandmother Wisdom/ Grandmother Musings 2012-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jamie Nowinski – Grandmother Wisdom/Grandmother Musings with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Grandmother Musings 
Lovely!
Thank you , enjoy the evening. 🙂
What a fascinating post, I had no idea that marigolds were such interesting plants. I’ll be looking at them in a different light now, thank you!
Thank you, tearoomdelights. I am glad you enjoyed the post. I just love Bringing Europe Home’s Quotes from the Masters. Thanks for visiting. Enjoy the evening. 🙂
Me too, it’s a great idea isn’t it? Gets the creative juices flowing! 🙂
It sure does. 🙂
I planted marigolds this year for the first time in pots around my patio. They look beautiful, however, I had to put the pots up on tables, because the rabbits were eating the flowers! 🙂
Oooh, you must have very hungry rabbits if they will stoop to eating marigolds. Although, I hear they are used in cooking in many cultures. Interesting. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great evening. 🙂
That does it! I’m planting marigolds next year. 🙂
Really, I had heard that they were a good, natural method of keeping bugs out of the vegetable garden, and I’m already making plans of how to use my small spot of sun next year.
This is a delghfully informative post, Jamie. Thanks so much!
Thanks, Robin. I also read that they keep mosquitoes away, but I have not tested this theory. You are good for planning out your garden early. I need to get better at planning. Enjoy the evening. 🙂
Love the post. Thank you!!
Thanks, Amy! 🙂
Just beautiful Jamie ….
Tim, you are so nice. Thanks. 🙂
Nice interpretation of the quote! And I learned new things about marigolds, too – thanks 🙂
Thank you, Megtraveling. 🙂