Flower for The Day Dames Rocket 5-12-22

Dames Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) has grown abundantly in my far wildflower garden. This year it has shown up in the  front garden where it fits perfectly into the color scheme. Its height is similar to the allium so its a nice addition. It think the birds are the transplanters. It has numerous common names, including hesperis, damask-violet, dame's-violet, dames-wort, dame's gilliflower, night-scented gilliflower, queen's gilliflower, rogue's gilliflower, summer lilac, sweet rocket, mother-of-the-evening, Good & Plenties, and winter gilliflower. Its a tall pleaser.

 

 

        Hesperus

Through the starry hollow

Of the summer night  I would follow, follow  Hesperus the bright,  To seek beyond the western wave  His garden of delight.    Hesperus the fairest  Of all gods that are,  Peace and dreams thou bearest  In thy shadowy car,  And often in my evening walks  I've blessed thee from afar.    Stars without number,  Dust the noon of night,  Thou the early slumber  And the still delight  Of the gentle twilit hours  Rulest in thy right.    When the pale skies shiver,  Seeing night is done,  Past the ocean-river,  Lightly thou dost run,  To look for pleasant, sleepy lands,  That never fear the sun.    Where, beyond the waters  Of the outer sea,  Thy triple crown of daughters  That guards the golden tree  Sing out across the lonely tide  A welcome home to thee.    And while the old, old dragon  For joy lifts up his head,  They bring thee forth a flagon  Of nectar foaming red,  And underneath the drowsy trees  Of poppies strew thy bed.    Ah! that I could follow  In thy footsteps bright,  Through the starry hollow  Of the summer night,  Sloping down the western ways  To find my heart's delight!

  C.S. Lewis