#silver thistle

[theyoungwaldschrat]

Silver thistle (Carlina acaulis)

[jillraggett]

Plant of the Day

Thursday 29 June 2017

 In the impressive order beds of Copenhagen Botanic Garden, Denmark, was a fascinating collection of Rhaponticum (silver thistle, cardoon knapweed). These clump forming, herbaceous perennials have tall stems topped with large buds with glossy or spiny, silvery green bracts opening to often deep pink or purple-pink flower heads in summer. Species seen included Rhaponticum heleniifolium subsp. bicknellii and Rhaponticum centauroides, though the confirmation of these species naming has proved difficult, but they still have great flower buds! 

Jill Raggett

[apisa-hikes]

[theyoungwaldschrat]

Silver thistle Silberdistel / Eberwurz (Hogwart) Carlina acaulis

In the middle ages believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac. Used midicinally to stimulate urination, menstruation and sweating.

[botanisiertrommel]

Silberdistel

[rabbitcruiser]

Flowers (No. 1)

Yellow beavertail cactus, Jordan

Silver Thistle, Klewenalp (two pics)

Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway

Water Lilies, Santa Barbara (two pics)

Flower Wreath, Washington D.C.

Banana flower, New Orleans

Hibiscus, Bellingrath Gardens and Home (two pics)

Do you know any of these flowers?

[angelicstrings]

Preparing for Austin Celtic Festival Application Deadline

So... played at the Austin Celtic Festival last year as part of Silver Thistle Pipe’s & Drums, & likely will again this year.  It’s been in my mind for years to at least try out for ACF as Angelic Strings (because I play a ton of Celtic music), but have just let it slip by.  This year (2015), I will be applying (deadline May 30th).  I just finished a solo Celtic CD (no vocals)... which I haven’t released yet.  Just got them in the mail.  

I’ll be releasing them soon...  More info at angelicstrings.com/emerald

I had hoped to get a bigger group together than just myself & my wife for ACF.  Several of the Silver Thistle members are interested in starting a group (& I’ve even written out some sheet music for the amazing Ken Liechti on smallpipes, but things have been busy in their lives & mine, and the majority of the Silver Thistle band is getting ready for competition in Scotland, something I’m not ready for on bagpipes.  I’m improving, & you can hear me occasionally at the Emerald Restaurant on bagpipes (in addition to my main instruments harp & vocals)... but band competition level is way beyond solo performances.

I also recently recorded some youtubes of my Celtic music, both at Burns Supper 2015 & a recent Ceilidh (where as a harpist I’m filler material for Silver Thistle).  I’ll probably submit a combination of solo Celtic youtubes, my new Irish CD (Emerald), youtubes of my wife & myself performing Celtic music & let’s see what’s happens.  :)

Maybe next year I can include more Silver Thistle members, & other friends, but the application precludes membership changes between May 30th & ACF 2015... so I think it’ll be me & my wife this year.  Maybe Ken too?  We’ll see.