22 Apr 2013

A - Z Challenge - S



The reflection of British wildflowers in emotions.
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Salvia pratensis. Shy.

The pleasantly aromatic salvia plant grows in warm locations on downs and limestone hills. Whorls of dark-blue flowers grow from the base of heart-shaped leaves. They are so deep, insects have difficulty reaching the nectar. Yet the shy plant needs contact to reproduce. Long-tongued bumblebees cross pollinate the lipped flowers. A lever mechanism bends the antler down when the insect lands on the lower lip to suck the nectar at the bottom of the long flower tube.

Like the Salvia plant, shy people draw back from contact or familiarity with others; retiring or reserved. Shyness is the awkwardness or apprehension some people feel when approaching or being approached by other people. Unlike introverts, who feel energized by time alone, shy people often desperately want to connect with others, but don't know how or can't tolerate the anxiety that comes with human interaction.

Proverb: Silence is golden.

9 comments:

  1. Love that blue, almost violet colour. A good explanation of shyness as well, an often misunderstood aspect of human nature.

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  2. I remember being shy as a child and teenager. At times it could be quite paralyzing. Good post.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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    1. Oh, you poor thing. You must be strong to have overcome it.

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  3. Oh, I love Salvia! I plant a red variety in my window boxes each spring. :) Happy A-to-Z 2013! ~Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/

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    1. Red would be lovely. It's amazing how gardeners have cross-bred to change nature's original colours.

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  4. They are a beautiful plant in any color..

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    1. And the tinier they are, the more detali there is to wonder at.

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  5. Hi Francene .. love the blue of the Salvia .. gorgeous .. cheers Hilary

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