Damn it ! ; Or, Ban it...

“And thou, fine fellow, who has tasted so of the foresters greenwood game,

Will be in no haste thy time to waste In seeking more taste of the same:

Of this can I read thee and riddle thee well,

Thou hast better by far be the devil in hell, than the Sheriff of Nottingham!” ; from Maid Marian (1822) - by Thomas Love Peacock (via 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' ; Roger Lancelyn Green, p1956. ; p. 125.)

“In his environmental history of the twentieth century world, Something New Under the Sun, John R. McNeill observes that the last century was unique in the extent and intensity of changes in the natural environment, and centrality of human agency in causing those changes. He asks why this was the case, and finds a threefold answer: accelerating use of resources, especially through conversion to a fossil-fuel based energy system; very rapid population growth; and the ideological commitment of nations and corporations to military power and economic growth swelled by mass production. His analysis is convincing.” ;

Ingrid Thulin, on 'The Damned' (movie, 1969.) 

; (Below this, also see: X

)

”... [on during the 20^th cent.] Processes that were previously regarded as of 'natural' origin and beyond human influence except possibly to ameliorate their effects are now seen to have human activities involved in their causes. Some of these processes are climatic change, the chemical composition of rainfall and the atmosphere, the abundance and availability of fresh water, variations in the ozone layer and ultraviolet radiation received from the Sun, the stimulation of the earthquakes, the emergence and spread of diseases, the genetic evolution of species, and the radioactive decay of elements. This does not mean that humans have achieved their control; far from it.What it does mean is that human activities, now of unprecedented dimensions and power, have had unintended effects for good and ill upon the systems of Earth, effects that we are beginning to understand. We have found it extremely difficult to moderate the undesirable effects. We cannot yet clean up the radioactivity after an accident like Chernobyl, and the prospects of slowing global warming are truly daunting. Once we might have thought that the Earth is too vast to be changed significantly humankind; now we see that we have changed the Earth, but in the ways that may threaten us.” ; on The Environmental History of the World. Humankind's changing role in the community of Life. Book by Hughes, Donald J. Routledge 2001. (;p. 168 ; 199.)

...The deforestation I mean; ban it. Should have to made a penalized effort during this present century, the 21^st (...if the humanity were/appears to take the matter to a more concerned attitude, the decline probably should've been halted by now. If not...only worse will follow.)

; ...From the hindsight wisdom, on basis of the recent referred words by that good old Humboldt, solely, seem tell there a good plenty reasons/argments behalf that action: Changes at the precipitation/rains seasons, the enlenghtened droughs – and them usually appearing more severe on areas that lack the natural forested reserve/woods as protective measure. Plus, due because water questions appear be a more global concerns by now, and of course from due because the woods serve also on many places for a natural shelter against heavy weathers, can also prevent the soils/fertilization from being washed completely away in times from storms...ao, etc.

 ; ...Of course the problem relates to a multitude difficulties and aspects, the human cultures and peoples living environments considered. Fx, not the least is there the problem from a (prospected) increased need of a cultivable lands, at the futures (The human population increasin still, on many places). Yet, even without much diagrams and charts visited, one easily can come for a conclusion that without certain 'natural reserves' restored, the climatic problems more easilu end up boiling and spoiling... (...the original forested lands, from all of the Earth, consisted probably smght like 60 to 80 percent of all the land. Or so I only assume, didn't bother check from it to this. It seems noted that presently only some one third, at the most, survives as forests, in the natural condition or as 'economic', cultivated some.) Esp. it has some importance from the favorable living conditions/and environments propititous to human habitation considered. ; Besides, the many places where deforestation formerly the largest (meaning by that period from during the past few centuries time and even before), the climatic threats are also recognized potentially from, likely, in the future to cause most dire harms at those regions, they say. (Then on the other hand, you don't need very much intelligence to observe that during some half century most unpleasant places to live in a few decades after would be the cities - where there is least of the trees - and yet, most populated centers seems supposed to grow by the population, ao from an adjacent suburbs they seem expected to fuse to themselves.)

; ...However, at this post we weren't by main intentions to discuss (much) about the forests decline. ; And, btw, neither do I intend from claim that McNeill's analysis to be convincin'...As I've not read that. Hughes I have, however, and I did find it more than convincing, if compared to most anything (little) I've more lately read...fx about the humans and their ecological 'footprint', it's historical large impacts on the Natural environment. Or the present level of it – Said from to appear as more harmful by volume and the scope than ever before. (Guess you knew that already...) But in short, book warmly recommended, btw.

--------------------

; ...Instead, however, and in the similar manner as we've occasionally formerly represented, here are furthersome examples of my garden flowers. Mostly from self-sowed some, and/or some that I considered it possible describe shortly. Or, simple enough selections to us from make here a little compact briefings of them at our 'garden-series'. Briefly as possible, and the holiday-season approachin' (fx, here it being presently the nicest of weathers, etc.) ...so, just a few picks with a sticky toothpick in between the teeth (...and not in the cheek). An eye on their general appearance and sensitive and seductive characteristics, preferably. Accompanying it with a few ecological details, insects not forgotten or left aside from these views. And all the information offered very much only on the basis from what I might've familiarized priorly, not necessary offered by any too serious and professionalized level of knowledge...

; Sticky Catchfly (Silene viscaria) ...Longterm a favorer to this lovely flowering native plant, I intentionally acquired a singular plant of it to my garden last year. Since the Catchflies preferably grow on a very nutrient-poor soil, I discovered my particular specimen from a sandy-bank on the roadside. Actually from a place where also grew plenty other natural plants. (There were actually plentysome of the catchfly too. Even though; It probably ain't anyhow very rapid spreading, perhaps more to the contrary, they're usually found on smaller groups, here and there. I'm not sure how widepread the range there, so I actually was rather careful, only selected a single plant to my gardens and also avoided from not disturbing the surrounding plants.) Anyway, I then planted my specimen on garden and as it had flowered (long and plentyful) on June, then I even collected the seeds and threw them around on my small 'butterfly-field'...There now, resultatively, also existing a bunch of a new breed from it. (You'd possibly laugh of to see my limited dry-flower meadow, it's really very small a yard...not any meadow, or even by size makin an equal to regular small potato-field, actually. But I've considered from to enlarge the place in the spirit of a most recommendable ecologist hobbyism and from arranging this for a (little) actual flower-meadow – once I happen from acquire suitable place, of someplace.)

; One doesn't need to water Catchflies, at all. Like typical from many/most native plant, it survives practically all by it's own, if the soil meets requirements. And as I've noted, various insects visit; bumble-bees most typically, of course. But then also larger and smaller some of the hoverflies (But it actually tries fend off the smaller insects, some beetles and flies. Does so by some liquid it secrecates on it's stem. Hence it's name...'Catchfly'.) And the butterflies visit it too, of course. Some of loveliest specimen I've actually seen at the catchfly (Albeit my garden is too windy a place for them on most seasons, though.)

; According to my understanding Catchflies aren't anyhow threatened species on these northern corners of the continent. (There is fx also to lot resembling close relate of it, Alpine Catchfly (S. suecica), that grows still a bit thinner and less fertile soils. Typically over mosses at places of rocksides/hilltops, sunshiny open places.) But seems it even said that in the Northern Fennoscandia there's certain sbps of that 'Alpine-variety', (ie of the .suesica var .serpentinicola) that also seem recognized more tolerant than most plants to fx copper- and other heavy metal accumulations from mining waste; Even so that them seem said sometimes to grow on heaps of that. ; ...Would be somewhat enthrillin' to 'recover' for this a tale about stories about how rich ore for mining purposes were sometime past succesfully discovered from via the presence of those plants – Unless it also then had to be remarked from the same stone and ore industry on many places having destroyed the habitats of those nowadays rarer species (ie the .serpentinicola). Seems it so, of course, that nowadays various disadvantages and caused threat on health of the local people are more usually mentioned. Most newsed aspects being from the polluted waters, riversides, ao. ...But fx in that book by Capek (on our recoms, no 43, 'Travels to North'), I some time ago read, there was fx a detail/story about a complete fell on Lapland – a large one – having resultatively completely disappeared, resulting from it's continued mining, during the years. Landscape and fjordside views spoilt probably weren't at the time that much noted/on discussion, since it was about the early 20^th century, probably already prior the decades before that 1930s. Interesting that it was still on much of a memory by people, I recall from had read about it on elsewhere places too. ...But yet that is a little like from that Chernobyl-accident of the 1980s. Nowadays, sometimes you might begin to wonder whether people so much even recall it actually having happened - since it sort of – feels from to belong to a whole lot different era. (Ban too any search from new ores for being mined.)

; Large Pink (Dianthus Superbus) ; ...Since I've probably sometime priorly presented a picture of my D.Superbus, we're havin' here only a few words. Indeed is a very enchantin, very magnifient flowerin' plant, even among these often cultivated native Dianthus(es, in the genera from Caryophyllaceae). It's flowers are (to my finding) perhaps some of the finest in the genera (...Albeit I've not seen most, of course, esp. at the warmer regions of the world there's probably...lots.)

; ...It by outer look a little resembles that other enchantin flower that favors the moisturous spots and 'semi-flooded' fields, roadside dirches, namely the Ragged Robyn. But, not completely. Besides, while not actually being red, the D.Superbus' flowers aren't by main color neither pink. (I think) it's merely between some (mild) violet to somewhat whitish-pink. (...to be precise, perhaps the violet emerges mostly in the full florescence, and like usual pales during the longer rainy seasons, or onwards the time of blooming being over the color pales a bit.) Well, that not too important. But the fact is, if you're lookin' from somethin very pinkish you'd probably feel disappointed. ...Let us even make a (bit hilarious) comparison of it to a more usual and common meadow-variety, the D.Deltoides ('regular pink', or whatever by it's common name) - Which due because it's very strong, but simultaneusly light red colour, often was, in the past, considered for a frivolous even bit depraved flower by it's looks. But it ain't pink by the colour either...even though any particular plants can vary by that colour significantly, I've noted. Some are more deep red, and some actually closer to light pink. But none of them seems precisely pink either. (Actually I'm quite bored to some old-fashioned prejudices such as these - Of having certain fondness on the red color, I think it very unjustified associated most usually on such things as the boudoirs and red lanterns. Why not think about it on a more sensuelt level, without any (imagined) sins referred.) Interesting notion on this respect, maybe, is that it's the day-time butterflies, ao, that visit the deltoides, in the bright sunlight, very openly. At least from what I've been able to observe...

; To the contrast, or from some difference for a most interesting additional mention, we yet find to say the D.Superbus being (apparently) pollinated and mostly visited by moths. I've actually seen several at it by the evening/nightime. Usually the smaller species, though. The scent also is more recognizable by the night. Not necessary means there ain't visitors during the day-time – But also seems it mentioned that the plant's main pollinators are, esp, the moths. 

; As I happen to live on a hillside, the conditions are sometimes in during the drier periods w. little rain (like now is ) bit unfavorable to these plant. Probably so, as I've noted it not on this year growin's so plentyful and rich luxurious-flowering than on some years formerly. (...Fx, some year w. relative rainy season from June there were lot more of the growths, and it even grew far larger stems. But maybe that also is from the season being relative early of June, at the moment.) 

; Generally it actually a very tolerant, not anyhow demanding species. In the Nature grows at the 'sandy riversides', or 'banks' from natural rivers at the North - ie from the preferred conditions favors a temporarily wet, perhaps occasionally flooded soil for to strive well. Naturally I acquired seeds for my plants from the shop. Sowing wasn't too difficult and it grows quite as well on regular dirt (little added sand on ground doesn't do bad.) ...It's seeds took quite long to germinate, as I recall that. (Flowers only appear from a second year, as seems to be usual from the natural flowers.)

; You possible understand better what I mean by these affecting surrounding conditions, if I represented little graphical description alongside. [Here the picture, see at beside -> :) ] ...Just for to explain why this hillside ('of mine'...of course, me not being it's sole inhabitant) isn't the most favorable spot from cultivate every one and other flowering species. (...mainly because of the above mentioned circumstances, but due from other aspect as well. Like fx from  the reason the soil over that bedrock is actually quite thin layer, and then is the wind as well...well, occasionally, it can appear relative windy here.) But the adjacent pic explains, possibly, this situation quite more comprihensive and understandably than any my preceded sentences. They seem say, a good picture often can tell more than even thousand words. Well, perhaps I'd add on that:) ...often more than any thousand (meaningless) words.  

; ...That so according my own finding, namely. (Not meant as any sort universalism, of course. ...For what (somewhat) interesting comparison is that there's also term by the name from the Natural Law, it's a close...associate for the preceded word. - But not exactly is w. that meant same than with the universalism(s), btw. ...Interesting from a view-point of the concept of the Natural right. Seems it also mentioned that some philosophical views/systens consider it synonymous for the Natural Law...and others not. Well, more or less irrelevant for the main topic at this post...)

 [...'Guess now that I even mentioned here growin some of those Catchflies, they could even start for suspect there might exist copper-ores and even want my hill leveled down too...:) I mean, serious thinkin', it ain't very hilarious views all in all. Nearby most cities/urbanized 'towns' there are places that have traces of some sort 'prospecting activities'. Even if it ain't that often from the mining-purposes, various other materials; sand, stones, lime and whatever. Take a brief biking-journey bit aside from your usual living headquarters, to the 'countryside' or for 'semi-urban district', and you'll soon run to some. All of it actually spoils the views and sights, in the worst cases pollutes land/water. ...I only mention, as I've rarely here referred on these aspects. It's sad, most frankly put. ...Every time I see those piles from crushed stone and dug-out sandpits, I think from heaps of squolor at the gates of the Tolkien's Mordor...] 

; Common Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) ; ...Well, this year I also decided plant some Artemisia – of the reason whatsover, I think it was because I had seeked if I'd find the plant growing in the Natures, but never succeeded at that. (It isn't any native plant here, while seems noted from had relative long cultivation history priorly. At least from since the middle-age grown at the monasteries gardens, fx...and so it noted also from easily naturalizing, and does still grow on some suitable warm places/regions. ...Even if you not hobby the plants you might be familiar for it's more common relative that grows on almost any places at dry and also(?) on relative thin soils, the Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). Commonly often causes allergy/hay fever for many people.)

A.Absinthium, at clay pot.

; From Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood) – like the name says – is perhaps best renown that the plant once was (occasionally still, some places) known as the main ingedient on Absinthe. (Which was, like you maybe aware, the popular drink on the 1800s citycultures, on cafeteries and probably also the varietees and nightclubs..say. With the little enthusiastic contemplations we can then imagine fx famous Parisian painters, fx Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Seurat pouring amounts from absinthe for their throats, to inspire their creativity. (And with that effectively destroying amounts of an important brain-cell connections of their heads. The habit from its use was more commonplace, favored also by the more regular bourgeoise, though, probably.) 

; Namely, the drink was very bad reputed, it's continuos uses said from had caused many peoples destruction, that due because of the poisonic ingredient plant/absinthe contains, Thujon. (Actually, I recall we referred to this same substance along when presenting the Hyssop here.) ...Or, more in particular, at BNG it expressed on the following sentence, since from of A.absinthe noted fx; ”...the essential oil is no longer in use as it is considered toxic and potentially carcinogenic.” (Seems it though also said that presently, when the drink is distilled, the amount of the subtance from plant is greatly reduced from those times, making it less dangerous/eliminating said harmful side-effects. ...Wouldn't still recommend too habitual use, though...)

Of course, I didn't sow it by purpose of distillin any liquids to help me sunk for complete numbness and neurastenial blank (You may noticed I'm quite very strict on the aspects from alcohols and spirits...) And, (due from these considerations) I've actually even maintained a practice of growin' it preferably on garden, mainly. However seems it also said from being quite popularly used as the indoor decorative nowadays merely, not (probably) from it's any pleasant scent. But instead from due that the scent also is noted from serving as quite effectively repellent to insects. Works at that use in the garden too, btw. However, interesting perhaps, but actually I've not – or at least not so far - noted the Artemisia of any noticeable scent or odor.

; But the main reason of it's cultivatin for me simply is from it's leaves indeed are most loveliest lookin'. Them also seem gain a certain slight silvery colour along more warmer periods from summer. Finally to mention, seems it also advised that added fertilizers shouldn't be used until from the midst of summer, cause otherways the leafs seem loose their enchantin' green-silverish colour. ...And, by the way, seems it also said that in case allergic for Mugwort, it also wiser not let the cultivated A.absinthium from flowerin', 'cause it can cause some resembling allergic reaction. (Leaves of it or other parts of the plant, obviously also ain't palatable, ao from being 'potentially' carginogenic, like said.)

; Devil's bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) ; ...I actually don't have this (native) flower growin' on my garden...and probably never will. (Though I've sometimes considered acquiring it. But as I've noted, it seems represent a rather moisture-demanding species from habitat preferred. It preferably grows on somewhat more 'naturalized' ground than any other from the above presented native species...So I suppose my intentions from cultivatin it may have to be left aside.) There's fx not enough of the moistures on my hillside, and not either, possibly, is it steady enough from the warmth contained. ; ...But it's at least nice to recognize some bumble-bee's at places where the plant grows at the Natures. Along the one in the pic, I've actually seen several species visitin Devil's bit Scabious. (The common name of it is actually a funny story itself. Seems said that the plant once was believed from most various benefits in the old herbaceous uses. (Not necessary from any too real, confirmed healing effect, even.) And so, it seems once been reasoned/the folk tradition maintained – not for too serious beliefs, probably – that the devil wasn't too pleased on the plant and persistently kept biting its root off. That 'knowledge' then seems been originally acquired of the look of that root...) ; ...And by the way, belongs to the same genera as that other species former presented here, on some post, (Knautia arvensis), The Field Scabious. ...Seems to me, though, the S.pratensis bein rarer one from these, in overall – Although it's range also is said to reach for more nothern limit here. But, like one could guess from their family of plants (Honeysuckle-family, Caprifoliaceae), both appear represent quite warm-dependent plants. So enjoy the sight of it (like I do). There's that most loveliest lookin', amazing, spectacular bumble-specimen on it too...

; Roses (/Rosaceae) ; Then here just for in passing is mentioned the Roses. It not necessary to represent any pic of 'em on this (I have a few garden varieties, like many people...). That due from I actually considered roses to appear mainly at our (forthcoming) selection of the natural herbaceal plants. So, let's just simply state that the roses have been far from past cultivated by humans, and soforth there's indeed massive variety breeds, some from very old history too. (Some people even in the very hobbyist manner collect and especialize on rose breeds...etc.) ; However, perhaps the interesting p-o-w also is from that flower of it, acc. to many cultural histories, seems noted always recognized as the symbol from female sexuality. ...For example, or perhaps most renown, there are all those medieval fables and tales of the Arthur and his boys in search for that 'Rose Bowl'. (Well, exactly it seems gone by name of the Grael, ...or was that Graal...?) , but any interpretations of that mythology, of course, emphasize role of the rose as an essential symbol for female sexuality at (that) narrative. And, notably it said that during medieval era, all the literature was mainly and principally loaded with various symbols. ...Among the symbolistics, the rose was naturally perhaps one most dominant or most 'valued'. (But it too long a story from described more particularly here.)

 ...Sort from brings to my mind that 'Race for the Gold Cup', a bit resembling sensational and irrational serie from events, closer for this recent era of ours. With that slight exception, that by that era of Arthur's (and his chivalry bunch's) legend, the people probably were more enthusiasted of that symbolical languages from even try establish any actual difference between the roses and femine body parts. ...Means only that symbolism and superstitious beliefs indeed were such powerful aspects on the cultures of medieval period, that 'they' (very fictional characters, of course...) probably never considered worth/separated btw sex and the committed religiousness. (...Or so it seems sometimes interpreted, if I little interpret this on my very free-form-manner. 'Cause, that Roman de la Rose seems usually often recognized from been most characteristic piece for medieval morals. ; Often also is therefore 'blamed' from, that it manifested the very profane essential contents, and soforth served both in good and bad, from sexual morals considered. - Against the very puritanic and 'ecclesiastic' christian morals of the time, but as well enstrenghtened the narrow social moralisms by the period.) Yes...those most honorable, most invincible Galahads and disloyal Lancelots, all in the loyal competition from to achieve eternal life, and simultaneously feelin' very uncomfortable and very determined under their full-body armors. Servants and peasants beside crawling at their feet, feedin' their hounds with their little left-overs after the gentlemen had eaten the most from harvest. Dirt and the mud. Diseases too. Not very sexy setting to a story, unless you put for it a little mysticism, a little symbolism. And Guinevere too, of course.) But guess we've actually discussed from this symbolism formerly too, perhaps on a bit more studious manner, maybe...

; ...Another good reason to featuring the Roses here is simply to mention that less 'novelty' varieties also often grow as bushes on public places. (Parksides, roadsides, garden-yards, etc.) As them are scented plants the insects, incl. of course bumble-bees, visit them very eagerly. From little observin' that one could conclude that in those large growths (or some resembling parkside bushes, such as some from that honey-suckle family) is probably quite enough of a nectar to fulfill any demand from the insects. And indeed, lookin' at my homeyards I often notice fx that while there seems be on my few garden plants maybe just a singular bee droppin by, in the nearby decorative-bushes there seems plentysome harvestin the blooms. Yet, the truth ain't quite that simple; If one looks bit more closely those various bees, one often notices them mostly consisting of a couple from commonest bees. So, if you grow in the garden some natural (/native) plants, it often appears more important than is the limited amount of nectar available for hymenoptera (/the bees) on them. Many rarer species specialize on certain particular plants, so growing some places disappeared or diminished variety can be helpful choice aiding their recovery. (All the other considerations considered of course...for example any actual larger flowering field possibly maintains a wider variety of plant and insect life than any home-garden can. Or, then you have to have very significant amount of the acres devoted to your cultivated garden...but most of us don't.) Besides, also other insect – fx Coleoptera and the Heteropteran ('True bugs', or the 'Common bugs') -species – also eagerly visit flowers...and likewise any single species may favor some particular plant(s).

; The pansies (In a beer-can) ; ...Well these few flowers aren't actually presented from any particular reason. ...Not even of any (imaginable, but imaginative) reason to recommend a beer-can as the good growin-place for a perennial plant. (Even that we now have some tradition of the beer can-pics presented, one might a bit hilariously say. They're actually put on water at that, not grown in it, not on any soil.) So these garden-examples just for some addition. I actually even not ever noted any insect visitin' these breed-varieties of pansies (no doubt quite some do...but not quite so many, I suppose) And, to mention, I even don't like Pansies to be honest. But, then in the same has to be said that on native species (from pansies)– there's several plenty, indeed many, daytime butterflies whose caterpillars most usually grow on Pansies. (I think smght like 8 to 15 species might use the various Pansies-species on that 'task'.) ...So I guess I'm obliged from to admit there's a place for everything in the Natures – not excluding the Pansies. (And btw, most of these garden varieties are/were by origin cross-bred of the Viola tricolor and of some other species – maybe, it was Viola arvensis...? If you'd ask me, the V.tricolor has more lovelier a bloom in comparison to any of those saleable varieties – But guess I've said so formerly already. And I also think we then presented some pics of it...on some post priorly? A commonest of species, and familiar to most, it most easily recognizable, anyhow...)

; Finally, 'suppose we have to mention in the end some actual reason to these (particular) selections. Well, to say it briefly, it's mainly from that all these species appear nowadays to grow only at their 'secondary habitats'. – At least from the main native flowers above discussed/referred ...But, Artemisia excluding, as it's actually only grows as naturalized plant here and the roses and Pansies were referred only as group, not by any singular specimens, (...Amongst whom there could've been several comparable examples.) ; For example, from that Devil's bit Scabious seems it on my local source of the environmental information about plants (some of the details here viewed via that, btw) said that the plants most preferred native growin' habitat, 'the heavy clay spruce copses' were converted to the uses as fields for a long-time since. It now survives, not too rare, but for lot a more sparsely, fx on the reforested edges from fields, damp meadows, fens, ...ao. Actually, my lately maintained ecological 'observations' have often lead me to similar 'discovery'. (It of course concerns a widest variety of animals and other species too. In case from the plants you also notice, very often, the phenomenom being traceable to agricultural changes. The more traditional environment/natural conditions preserved, the more rich a variety of these old 'luxurious blooming' species there usually is to be seen. In fact, concerns a major amount from the once widespread, impressive flowerin' species.) ; As the minor positive p-o-w (on that), it a good reason from to favor and cultivate these old native flowers at ones own gardens... (; G.U.J.) ...From love? Call it a love for variety, for a diversity.

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[X] ; ...Of the movie-screen at begins of text /some notifications on it ; Seems it so, the film it picked from ('The Damned', a 1969-film directed by Lucchino Visconti) was by it's times recognized to some from very earliest (Or at least represented some quite early example, who am I to say, not being any keen viewer of the flicks, neither any enthusiast for the film history, anyway...) among the films that analysed close connexion between the capitalism and the emergence/rise of the nazism. At that time, by the 1930s, of course. - That a more close 'relation' than any regular histories at least still a few years back chose from admit. That aspect on the film at quite central place from the plot, as the story describes fall of a wealthy bourgeoise family under the influence of party, step by step. (...That in actuality means, on film, mainly the metal industrial factories production/their capital directed for the purposes of a weapons manufacture - As the principal motive appears the profitable forthcoming sales, at that time via future armaments/material manufacrtured for the army, and - of course - markets seen from emerge via the envisioned foreign wars (At the time, late 1930s, also must've meant fx Mussolini's war on Ethiopia.) ; ...As I don't too much view or appreciate the 1970s films in general these views just for some accompanying remark. ...I think it yet lot better from the aspects/cultural and historical view-points than most of comparables of that time. (Them being generally quite meaningless, often pointless violent-loaded but socio-historically rather poor flicks. Often full of action, often/sometimes morally challengin' - I mean those 1970s films generally, view fx from any classics of some films-catalogue - check of the usual 'masterpieces'; More or less it's the same case about every single 'merited' example those, and most aren't that good.) Commonplace film-books seem also often fail to list this film, I noticed. It neither not is perhaps an actual masterpiece...but (I think) makes it well over some average level. Themes and issues addressed makes it more worth than many better known some. ; Film seems also featured several from (then) risin stars, who were then on following years probably some 'regulars' on bit more usual popular stories. (In the film acted fx Dirk Bogarde, Charlotte Rampling, Thulin...) So not too bad a choice to some Saturday evening watch.

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Spring-O-Plants, Or, 'It was about that 160 years ago by now...'

“The absolute beauty of these shapes, their harmony, ...all this makes what is called the character of nature in various regions. Some shapes, indeed, and the most beautiful ones (the scimitales, palm trees and bamboos), are missing entirely from our temperate regions; others, such as trees with pinnate leaves, are very rare and less elegant. Arborescent species are very few, not so tall, and less laden with flowers pleasing to the eye. Thus the number of social plants, as described earlier, and man's cultivation make the aspect of the land more monotonous. In the tropics, on the contrary, nature delighted in combining every possible shape. […] The valleys in the Andes are adorned with banana and palm trees; at a higher elevation one can find a beneficial tree whose bark is the fastest and healthiest fever reducer. In this temperate elevation where quinquinas are found, and in higher elevations where the are Escallonia, there one finds oaks, pines, Berberis, Alnus, Rubus, and a host of genera that we think belong only in the northern lands. Thus the inhabitants of equinoctial regions know all the species that nature places around them: the earth offers to their eyes a spectacle as varied as the azure vault of the heavens which hides none of its constellations from view.

The Europeans do not enjoy such a spectacle. The frail plants that people, out of love of science or refined luxury, grow in their hothouses are mere shadows of the majestetic equinoctial plants ; ...” ; from 'Essay on the Geography of Plants' by Alexander von Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland., orig. p. on 1807. ...quote is via the 2009 modern edition. (ed. w. Introduction: Jackson and Romanovski. ; p. 74, 75.)

“...refreshing falls of rain, which cooled the air while he [refers to the Christobel Colon, 1451-1506 - better known from the name as Columbus.] continued to sail along the coast of Jamaica. He remarks in his ship's journal on this occasion, that 'formerly the quantity of rain was equally great in Madeira, the Canaries, and the Azores; but since the trees which shaded the ground have been cut down, rain has become much more rare.' This warning has remained almost unheeded for three centuries and half.” ; “... the decrease of humidity in the atmosphere, and of the quantity of rain owing to the destruction of forests ; to the decrease of heat with the increase of elevation above the level of the sea; and to the lower limit of the line of perpetual snow. The fact of this limit being a function of geographical latitude was first recognized by Peter Martyr Anghiera in 1510. … Juan de la Cosa examined them more closely in 1501 : but it was not until the pilot Juan Vespucci, nephew of Amerigo had communicated to his friend and patron Anghiera an account of the expedition of Colmenares, the tropical snow region visible on the mountaneous shore of the Caribbean Sea acquired a great, and, we might say, a cosmical importance. A connection was now established between the lower limit of perpetual snow and the general relations of the decrease of heat and the differences of climate.“ ; from Humboldt's Cosmos: A Sketch of Physical description of the Universe. Vol. II. (Footnote / Text on p. 282 on the 1860 edition.) - read via DigitalHeritage Library.

“...according to measurements taken in 2005, these glaciers could vanish within twenty-five years. Meanwhile, the ice sheet on the Ecuadorian volcano of Cotopaxi and it's glaciers has retreated by 30 percent since 1976.” ; of No Rain in the Amazon. How South America's Climate Change affects the whole Planet. ; by Nikolas Kozloff, p. 2010 (; p. 8.)

This post...tries make a brief little pictorial about a few additional garden flowers of mine (But the final realization then fx features above cited paragraphs that you are also kind asked pay a few looks on.) ; ...In spite from above apprehensions the perennial plants selected for this mostly consist of some (older) European cultivar-species. Like usual the custom here, them appear consist from rather regular and easy cultivable plants. (Yet,  perhaps a slight less usual in the modern gardening.) Some good traditional and lasting garden decoratives, to put it briefly as possible.

Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium Pratense) ; ...Seems it said that the Cranesbills are generally quite warm-demanding plants, and so here in the North only grow as natural varieties a couple of species. (Those are some 'sister-species' to this G.pratense – at least they seem look for quite resembling kind – namely the Wood Cranesbill and, Herb Robert. Supposing I've mentioned both those formerly so not else is said of them. ...Except that if the latter mentioned ain't any natural variety, at least it should represent rather old species that arrived well early alongside the human civilizations.) But then there are of course several other species of Geraniums that've since from a few centuries been grown at gardens and also might've then sometimes, 'accidentally' naturalized via seeds dispersion, although only limitedly. The occasional seen specimen of Meadow Cranesbill's in the Natures seem variably represent descendants of those or some having naturalized via abandonment of the old housings or gardens.; Also it's said to some places having arrived via human transports. Of course, the more usual seems appear it's cultivation at gardens – like now are these modern variants by my own sowing. (There's also some by blue flowers, perhaps it is the more common variety even.)
 

; ...While pregrowing the specimens I recognized that of my sowed some only couple plants grew properly well (...reason was that most from my sowed some didn't germinate – likely it was due from too cold season conditions, or smght like...Like noted, seems it say their seeds don't very easily germinate at these latitudes.) But the few plants that I succeeded from grow now seem well adapted and rooted for my gardens. Like typical for the Cranesbills, and actually for any perennials, seems the plants yearly grow for larger and so the more luxuberant is also their flowerescence. (However, the Wood Cranesbills – our natural variety – has the most beautiful flowers from this genera, I think. Not the least a reason to why I grew also them for being planted on home-garden. ...But suppose I've mentioned about that too formerly.) 
 

Snakehead Lily (Fritillaria meleagris - also it is known by the common name to a Chequered Lily, fx.) ; Seems it nowadays from appear protected plant in the natures (...Classed as EN acc. IUCN criteria, at least on parts from of its ranges). Originally seems F.meleagris mentioned native/originate for South-East of the Europes, and, the Western Asia. Yet, from quite early it seems said to have spread to most European continental regions via the human cultivations (Or, alongside some period from early human 'colonization wave' of the continent, perhaps that not known by too precisely.)
 

; As the Fritillaria's prefer mainly some wetland conditions (fx; 'the damp coppices and shoreline meadows'), seems it's presently recognized rarity on many European region. And that a result from the changes brought by agricultural conversion of most it's favored natural habitats. ...For example, on it's Wikip-entry [viewed that..about April 2016], there's mention it once been 'abundant in the UK', but around the times from World War (the second) it's ancient hay meadows '...were ploughed up and turned over to the production of food crops, destroying much of the plant's habitat'...and so it now being 'rare in the wild' (...even that it also is '...now easily available as garden flower.') In other words, quite usual a story for many old nicely flowering species, if you look for a bit more closely on that. (Of course there are also varying different examples of threatened plants, but very usual is this kind 'case example' from species that tend favor fx the moisturous haysides and similar conditions...)

; The loss of the wetlands – of which we've probably elsewhere mentioned – is not an European problem solely, nor it's any manner a new phenomenom by itself. But (I guess) the question on European natures is also some ways more severe, as there's perhaps also less variety between any different 'eco-regions'. I mean, fx in comparison to the tropical regions, where more varied forms (of wetlands) are more usual form of habitats. (So there are maybe also very different species living on very opposite environments. And the wide regions of those lands are of course also far larger by sizes, from the plain geographical areas them happen cover. As there's more variety there's also of course far more numerous species all in all at the different regions that still contain any natural 'wetland-habitat'.) Generally in the European continent the natural variety appears more limited (So I suppose any 'lost' ecological 'niches' also affect the natural variety still more harmfully.) ; ...But never mind that, in the more recent times, of course, the tropics – and wetlands in particular - have become evermore increasing converted. Probably by now them are als0 more in danger of loosing that natural richness, and say, their unique colourfulness. (At least it being one of the aspect often remarked on most ecological literatures). Any of that vast oversuse of the natural resources, or wetlands disappearance - on tropics as well as European continent – also is traceable for several economic efforts (Not only to agricultural conversion, but for fx the timbers harvested, ao. Fossil fuels burning from more recent find.)

; ...Here in the North F.meleagris always seems been quite rare by any established presence; On most places it is only found for garden cultivated. But seems it also said from had arrived alongside the human habitation already by the 1700s, about. ; Plant is also actually quite poisonic (Lilies often are, but it being quite particularly so. So this plant is also fx said to be sometimes intentionally planted on parks and flower-gardens to repel off moles.) ; ...Anyhow, now some years ago, I acquired few bulbs of it and after planting them I've had this beautiful, more or less threatened species grown on my garden. (Actually I acquired several but only this sole bulb seemed to grow. And to be precise, I also at first tried to grow it from seeds – turned for an unsuccesfull effort.) It's growth and flowering seems take place relative rapid on Spring and is mainly over about before the coming from June.

 Flower itself is very original-lookin, and one might say, fashionable by it's 'chequered'-colouration. (Checkmate, but not any stalemate, if for a bit humorously described...) - I mean, there's wide variety of Lilies and Tulips, but everytime I look at those on usual boxes from bulbs at garden-shops, and on the regular markets, I merely think about how unimaginative them all look as from presented varieties there's only too many alternatives by color and decorative patterns...etc. But this species indeed is different – it actually has a very unique appearance. ; ...The origin for the name of plant seems not too difficult to guess, if you look the emerging flower (on the pic.) 
 

Aquilegia (Aquilegia vulgaris, var 'Nora Barlow') ; I'm also not quite too certain whether we did already represent at some post these Nora Barlows. ...At least it being so that there was some pics of an enchantin older specimens of Aquilegia I happened to photograph from the roadside. It appears here also as the native species. The ones seen in the woods can be by origin natural varieties or from old gardens cultivations. (The latter alternative is more likely, though.) ; Anyhow, inspired from that I then sowed some Aquilegias by myself too. And, this old 'honorable' variation (of course, it's a garden-variety), seems often recognized from it's curious manner that the separate plant have flowers with a quite different look (colour differs too). So, on that pic a flower from the separate plant is represented at below. 
 

; Aquilegias seem also increase quite effectively by their own (Can become sort of nuisance even it said, conquering ground from the other plants...) Generally they also don't need anything much of a care. Pregrowing of seeds also is relative easy a task. (I actually grew these mine quite early on Spring, having been in a hurry...like appears my usual sin with the plants. In spite of that the only difficulty/hindrance seemed be that seedlings didn't grow much at all until the warmer temperatures had arrived within the summer Months. I think some might've flowered already in the same Summer season...if I happen from recall that correctly.) 
 

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) ; Then a completely different kind of an example to a garden decoration. ...Namely, a few years ago I experimented by growing Liquorice from seeds (At my garden greenhouse, since it the only place where during Summer it possible achieve an adequate high temperatures.). The plant recommended to overwintering here indoors, and quite as well very warm-demanding, I decided trying grow it directly on pots. However, suitable conditions apparently weren't met, since after germinating quite well and successively growing a few leaves the plant never really started from growth when kept at my greenhouse . (Additionally the ants nested on pot, which – apparently – also wasn't the most proper kind for it's keeping.) So, frustrated I then in the Autumn decided from place it for the garden and see what should happen (At the best protected place, as it's not overwintering tolerant here – even that the plant is said from survive -15 degrees Celsius.) To my surprises, and likely because from the winter having been quite mild, on Spring (after the warm-heated period had arrived), noticed it then from had began growing the leafs again. (They're yet quite tiny still, of course. But seems from grow at least...).  

; ...Yet, I'm not too optimistic from seeing it actually to flower (...during this Summer, or from later on) – Unless it turns out very warm this season/year. That so, as I've mostly noted it only grows on periods when it shines continually and appears generally very warm. ...Additionally I've not any place permitting the optimal sunshines from to make the conditions ideal (as possible, here) for this plant (Not that I'd miss any open spot of that kind...) ...But it's of course somehow reassuring of notice it possible from to overwinter such a middle-East, South-East Asian species on ones gardens, while living here nearby the polar zone. (Doesn't feel quite something like nowadays, though.) Anyway, the colder winter-periods might then turn for problematic, since I've neither any ideal cold-rooms w. the adequate natural light for it's successive keeping. But seems that people sometimes been able from succeed keep plant past winter seasons by removing it to a pot at Autumn and storage it on a cold room/cellars.

 

; Liquorice belongs for some among most commercially valued cultivated plants, since it's root is also used for sweetening the medicines, fx. It's lot more usable on that purpose as the sugar. ...Fx, acc. the BNG: ”The root contains glycyrrhizin, a substance that is 50 times sweeter than sucrose, and has long been used as a flavouring in other medicines to mask their unpleasant taste. It should be used in moderation, however, as prolonged use can raise blood pressure and affect hormonal balance.” ...Any home-made preparations aren't recommended, of course, as the ingredients it contains are very strong indeed; Even from any over-eating of shop-bought liquorices is sometimes warned from. But favored on most various kinds from sweets, and also several 'traditional' drinks seem said often made to resemble the liquorice taste – some such as pastis (, ...plus the other Anis-flavoured some, ao.) ; In the commercial agriculture liquorice-plant seems grown at first to a couple of years (at the good, suitable soil), after what the root is dug up and - acc. my understanding - some part from it is again replaced to the ground to further harvesting, during the followed years. At least on a nutrient-scarcer soil it also needs plentysome from added fertilizers. (Botanically belongs for wide tribe of the peas; Fabaceae – Which you can easily be confirmed simply by looking on it's leafs. Also fx the Acacias belong for that family of peas. Can't say from of the exact relations more in particular...).

In the past it also has had (relative) long cultivation history on European continent too. For example, a popular story described is about some famous castle (Pontefract) where the whole from castles inner stone-paved courtyard was covered with a few metres soil – just for the purpose from cultivating liquorices. (During the late medieval period.) ...Precisely, apparently, this might/seems refer to Pontefract-castle on England...Feels a bit surprising (to me) as seems it situate to relative Northern regions from the G.B. But of course that might've been exactly the reason for that told effort from it's cultivation...) Plant was probably even more valued by the medieval time, since by then there wasn't fx Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), and even less from the Sugar-beet (Beta vulgaris var saccarium) - the other wasn't yet "discovered" and the latter not yet 'created'. (I-o-w; Nowadays popular and largerly used saccharine-based sweeteners were unknown to the Europeans still during that time.) ...But this just for some reminder or short reference to it's cultural history. 

 

; The plant is also said of been cultivated from quite early on the monasteries gardens – like many species w. some medical- or herbaceous uses actually always were. The dried root at some limited extracts was fx used to the treatments from cough. In fact there's still some similar practices, in addition to it's more wide uses as sweetening ingredient to the medicines.

; And like said formerly, I've not too high hopes from about seeing it to flowering. At least if my former experiences are to offer some reliable advice – the plant needs plentyful warmth and heated days to well flourish. (But if that should turn out for such lucky circumstances, guess'll then add pics of this garden specimen of mine too...Liquorice flowers are quite enchanted lookin' also.) 

 

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) ; ...It's quite possible, even probable, of us having featured this lovely flowering plant too, priorly... But, let that not be for any obstacle. 
Like appears recognizable via it's name, the Common potato, is a tuberous plant – and alongside that appears it perhaps the most widely cultivated food staple in the world. So, despite that potatoes don't cost anything much, is such easy from grow that I've also taken a habit from sowing a few tubers each year. Just for the fun of it (...As I've not any larger cultivated yard for to grow potatoes on wider scales or for preserving.). 
; But...did you know how lovely the flowerings of it look? Mostly you don't see the flowers - since from the usual manner it nowadays grown, via “cloning” from last years tubers – and the stalks then tend dry during Summer heat prior any flowerescense. (It's actually purposeful, seems it said being best harvested before that and actually is disadvantageous if let flower...or smght like.) In brief, my only reason representing it (here) was due from those nice flowers. Simply; easy cultivable, sowable, palatable species of the plant. And the blooms of it, sort of, brings for mind the above descriptions by Humboldt about that 'spectable as varied as the azure vault of the heavens' (It meaning/reference is for the South American plants.)

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; Humboldt now referred, might devote a few words on those at begins cited few references to his writing - As them also were mainly selected to offer some high regards or apprehensions about the wide variety of the world plants. (Humboldt, by the way, greatly admired and appreciated Columbus [Colon]...Which of course was quite common a view in the former times, even that later historians have taken more severe judging about Colon's persona. But that aspect of course not relates to these views...by any manner.) ; ...Due from because I also recently read that book by Kozloff, it is cited adjoining. Not the least was that too of the reason that Kozloff's observations on that book (and perhaps his travel-route), seem go quite nearby the similar 'zones', or regions of Humboldt's travels at South American continent, during his own time. - Appears it then also quite some dire grave ironic from to read by now those enthusiastic observations by Humboldt's from the tropical glaciers - As (acc. Kozloff, ao) the said places, or many of them, are even expectable for diminish and disappear in time, (...within a few decades even, according to some of the projected developments and consequences from global warming.) 

; ...And also it is then fx quite interesting (but annoying) from to notice that Humboldt uses for a term 'the lower limit of the perpetual snow', when referring to those mountaneous snow limit ranges – Since the general retreat of those same glaciers was probably quite unimaginable a process according to any knowledge by the sciences/state of the world, at his times. ('Though...I've not any very precise view from those observances by Humboldt on the mentioned compatriots of the Colon, or the histories he on that discusses, as I only read it in passing, mostly. But he was well aware on advances from most sciences at his days - Some 'branches' of science he actually invented and created, and at least enlarged on scope by himself. Like fx that Geography of plants, the dispersion of species based on their ranges and habitats according the similar climatic conditions on different regional elevations.)  

; ...But actually it also been my intention now for sometime to write a few chapters on these global climatic aspects, preferably concerning the global agricultural questions, mostly. – Don't know whether I'll ever find the time or effort from to realize that intention, so let us only cite a few paragraphs from Kozloff to the closing, at this instance (Which contained, no doubt, quite random observations. At least the plants were in the main from most of this, and actually also are in these following cited paragraphs.). ...It concerning the (then) popularized biofuels, no doubt still quite as commonly marketed for some 'solutions' on these (climatic) questions; 

“... Politicians like to push biofuels: It makes them look like they're being proactive on climate change but doesn't force them to call voters to account for their wasteful and consumerist lifestyles. But in practice biofuels may not be any greener than hydro power. Indeed, recent studies have shown that biofuels are actually accelerating global warming and imperiling the earth in the name of rescuing it. ”(; p. 152-3.) ; ...that conclusice compact argument about from some 8 years past now, ie was observed around y. 2008. 

(...Not that these few references would've represented anything much on the several aspects Kozloff's probably well-known book seems addressed. ...Hope we'll find places to a few more picks from it on some from our oncoming post[s].) ; G.U.J.

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