01. Photographer pick: Christel Matern

German photographer Christel Matern brings uncharacteristic ambiance to her floral photography—a subject that is often portrayed as unyieldingly cheery and optimistic. The dichotomy of pairing blooms with a black background and playing with light serves to elicit mood and nostalgia. Keep up with Christel on Instagram.

Mallow | Photo by Christel Matern

 02. Article pick: 10 Edible Medicinal Flowers to Grow

This Mother Earth News article helps newbies dip their toe into the world of edible and medicinal flowers by highlighting easy to cultivate varieties of annual and perennial flowers. These common plants are a simple addition to home gardens and offer myriad benefits. 

Calendula flower–renowned for its skin care uses. Image by Barbara Pleasant 

03. Book pick: The Reason for Flowers

The lively and definitive story of the beauty, sexuality, lore, economics, and ecology of the world’s flowers, written by a devoted scientist and illustrated with his stunning photographs.

In a volume that will delight gardeners, naturalists, cooks, artists, or anyone interested in history or culture, author and scientist Stephen Buchmann explains how bees, butterflies, and other insects; birds; and bats all relate to flowers in ways crucial to the well-being of nature. Next he takes us on an engaging exploration of the roles flowers play in the production of food, spices, medicines, and perfumes. Flowering plants, Buchmann then shows, have long served as inspiration in our myths and legends, in the fine and decorative arts, and in prose and poetry.

04. Video pick: Sabine Hoetzel

In addition to avidly posting about her trash cleanup efforts, Sabine has cultivated a beautiful collection of short videos on her Instagram page pairing flowering meadows with instrumental music. 

05. Quote of the Week: 

"The Earth laughs in flowers."

  — Ralph Waldo Emerson