Steve took our daughter on a therapeutic trip to Ott's Greenhouse yesterday as she recovers from surgery. They returned with a some plant treasures.

"You're going to love this my Irish gal." Steve said as he unveiled the shamrocks.  The shamrock leaves were closed for the evening, but they were still so beautiful. With the slightest movement, they flutter below their tender bell-like blooms. I remember learning as a child that the three leaves stand for faith, hope, and love.

This morning I awoke to the splendor of the leaves fully opened and the light capturing their purplish hue. What a lovely addition to our home.

Rosemary, trimmed and trained to grow in a topiary was Steve's next gift.  He knows I am particularly fond of herbs, especially rosemary for its fragrance and taste.  I knew very little of the symbolism behind rosemary, and I came to find out through my little Google search that it was traditionally used at funerals for love and remembrance and also in wedding bouquets as a symbol of love and fidelity.

I didn't have the opportunity to stroll through Ott's yesterday, but I was delighted to be surprised with rosemary and shamrocks by my husband.