October is here! And with it comes the marigold—birth flower for the month of October.
Marigolds originated in Mexico and eventually spread South into Central and South America. This pungently-scented plant has been used medicinally, sometimes drunk as a tea, and it is also employed as a culinary herb. In South Asia, marigolds are used decoratively—strung into garlands or arranged as a carpet—for celebrations and Hindu religious ceremonies.
Over many years, the marigold has been developed into an easy-to-grow garden plant. Its fragrance, which some find unpleasant, is repellant to certain insects (thus marigolds are sometimes planted alongside other plants which require protection from infestation). And many varieties of marigolds have been produced by specialist gardeners.
Marigolds are found in a narrow range of color, however, yellow and orange are the most common colors—similar to the English Art Deco vase shown above. This vase, made by Pilkington Royal Lancastrian, is formed in a lobed, gourd-like form. A curdled glaze of orange over yellow creates a random, one-of-a-kind finish on the vase. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
More Autumnal Offerings tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248