This was our first year growing marigolds. We wouldn't have purchased them, but farmer Ben from Irvington Spring Farm gave us leftover seed, so we figured, why not?
They're the farm version of carnations- scorned by most for their commonality but loved by a few for their hardiness and cheer. I must say, their vase life was impressive. I put some in a vase on our patio for a birthday party, and they still looked good 20 days later when I finally got around to disposing of them.
I was particularly fond of the yellow ones. But, the FOLIAGE:
Need I say more? Yes, because unfortunately computer screens aren't scratch 'n sniff, yet. They smell like a musky, tangy, Christmas in July, minus the body odor.
I found myself chopping the blooms off and using just buds and greens for a more subtle design element.
Did you know marigold flowers are used for organic dyes? Hurricane Joaquin left us with two decapitated beds in September, and we were able to pass the heads on to Claire and Ashton at Wax & Wane fiber company. I think they used them to dye scarves.
Finally, marigolds are safe. I don't have to worry when Lola gives them a smell and a lick.
Not only are these cheerful flowers not dangerous, they used to be widely used as to remedy: fever, smallpox, measles, congestion, and scrofula, ( not looking that up because my google history is already embarrassing enough- comment below if you're in the medical field.)
Wishing you all an encounter with a tangy, musky, seasonal scent.
xoxo,
Mary Ellen