Imagine finding a pink Celosia in the garden in October, a month where we honor cancer survivors. When I noticed this bloom, my imagination saw a flamenco dancer. A beautiful bloom, ready to dance and raise her skirt, twirling about with glee. We know the journey is not easy, but Celosia says it all in a single bloom.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Did you know that about 279, 000 people – not just women – will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer? It is estimated that there will be approximately 42,690 deaths from breast cancer alone. The statistics for other cancers are just as dismal. Survival is achievable with support from friends and family…in addition to more research. To find more statistical details on how cancer affects all of us, click here.
HIGHS AND LOWS
Most survivors will tell you that there are those days when hope is nowhere to be found. The high and lows along the way can be minimize with love and support from family and friends. As a survivor of this disease, there is a knowing of how difficult each day can be. Yet, survivors can celebrate how it CAN be overcome.
SEEDS OF HOPE
As you can see, the bloom of the Celosia holds many seeds. I like to think that the seeds are simply seeds of hope. Hope that this disease can be caught earlier, with more research there is cure, and hope that the rate of survival increases.
UNEXPECTED BENEFITS
In my zone 6b garden, Celosia is considered an annual. It offers a beautiful late season bloom that takes beauty in the garden up to frost. This plant hails from countries like Africa, Asia, and India. It also has many names like brain flower, wool flower, and more.
In China, it might be referred to as ‘chi kuan’. Nigeria knows this plant as an edible and it is commonly called ‘Soko”. As an edible, the leaves, stems, and even the flower spikes can be utilized for nourishment. Imagine a delicious stew with a few colorful blooms tossed in.
This plant symbolizes affection, silliness, and joy. Including a few stems in flower arrangements for giving seems appropriate. Creating an arrangement with Celosia will provide long-lasting beauty for 5 or more days. Another way to extend the show is to air dry them. These blooms tend to hold onto their color, velvety texture, and form which can cause quite a stir in a vase. As they are fragrance-free, adding this beautiful bloom to almost any arrangement would bring a smile to anyone’s day.
CELOSIA FOR A CAUSE
Celebrating the ups and downs of healing, appreciating the benefits along the way, and the joy of survival, are reflected in the Celosia bloom. Like a flamenco dancer, Celosia dances and celebrates our cancer survivors!
Have you had a mamogram this year? Are you celebrating survival?
Honoring all of those I know that have survived this disease, mourning those we have lost, and praying for more research so we bid good riddance to cancer!
Miss you Lexi…
Reflecting,
Teri, Cottage In The Court
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