Nosegays have existed since medieval times in England. They were worn about the neck or on clothing, probably to distract the wearer from how they actually smelled. Hygiene has changed a lot since then!
Tussie-Mussies, as they were called in the Victorian Era, were given as gestures full of meaning. Flowers and herbs quickly took on a language of their own expressing the feelings or sentiment of the giver. For example, a young suitor might reassure a distant lady with a tussie-mussie of forget-me-nots (true love), rosemary (remembrance), and southernwood (constancy). If the lady found the bouquet not quite to her liking, she might send back yellow roses (for infidelity). Her suitor would be pressed to reply with white violets (innocence) or lavender (devotion), assuring her of his honor and upright intentions.
Arranging the plants is akin to writing a letter. But let the rules go out the window. Your bouquet is a personal statement. Some tussie-mussians, if that's a term, use a single sprig for each sentiment, using the plant offering the core sentiment as the center starting point, adding sprigs around it.
Tussie-mussies that are to be carried? Probably not so much today, but if you cut 2 squares of wax paper (use edging scissors for a nice touch of ornamentation), place a moistened cotton ball in the center of one of of the wax paper squares, close the center around the stems, wrap and twist, secure with floral tape or string, then use the 2nd square underneath a doily, cutting the center with a X in the same way as the doily. Read on my crafty doily curious friends.
Paper doilies (make your own if you can't find them - fold into a triangle and cut the base creatively with edging scissors) were often used and finish the piece nicely.
Note: Adding an additional square of wax paper underneath the doily will help keep the tussie-mussie's doily from getting waterlogged, especially if there's a chance it may end up in a vase of water.
Cut an X in the center of the paper doily, fold down the points, and insert the stems and finish off with a pretty tied ribbon.
Tussie-Mussies were made from the gardens and backyards of the maker, marking the creator's unique expression and the bouquet's distinctiveness. That said, grab what you will from what you've got, or craft first from the language of herbs and flowers:
aloe - healing, shelter from harm
angelica - inspiration, magic
artemisia - happiness
aster - cheerfulness in old age
basil - love, good wishes, hate
bay laurel - achievement & fame, honor, reward of merit
beebalm - virtue
borage - bravery
bridal rose - happy love
calendula - sadness, hopelessness
camellia - unpretending excellence
carnation - lively & pure affection, pride & beauty, or pure love
carnation white - talent
chrysanthemum - cheerfulness under adversity
chamomile - wisdom, fortitude, energy under adversity
chervil - sincerity
chives - usefulness
cinquefoil - maternal or parental love
clover (white) - lightheartedness, think of me
coreopsis - always cheerful
coriander - hidden worth
corn flower - delicacy, single blessedness
costmary - sweetness
daffodil - regard
dill - good cheer, survival in the face of odds
elder - misfortune, zealousness, sympathy
eternal flower - eternity
everlasting - always remembered
fennel - grief, power, endurance, strength, worthy of praise
fern - magic, sincerity
forget-me-not - true love
fir (or pine) - philosophy, time
fumitory - hatred
geranium ivy-leaved - bridal favor
geranium lemon-scented - serenity, tranquility
geranium oak-leaved - true friendship
geranium scarlet - comfort, consolation
geranium scented - happiness
geranium unscented - folly
gladiolus - strength of character
globe amaranth - immortality
goldenrod - encouragement
honeysuckle - bonds of love, generous & devoted affection, fidelity
iris - pure heart, courage, faith
ivy - fidelity, friendship, marriage, wedded love
jasmine - amiability
juniper & juniper berries - protection
lady's mantle - protection
lavender - devotion, acknowledgement
larkspur - fickleness
lemon balm - sympathy, regeneration
lilac - first emotions of love
lily - majesty, purity, sweetness
lily of the valley - return of happiness
magnolia - love of nature
marjoram - joy, blushes
mint - virtue, refreshment
mistletoe - I surmount all obstacles
mock orange - fraternal affection, memory
monarda (bee balm) - I value your sympathy
mugwort - pleasant journeys
myrtle - love
nasturtium - heroism, patriotism
oak leaf - bravery
orange flowers - bridal festivity
orchid - a belle
pansy - thoughts
parsley - merriment
peppermint - cordiality, warmth of feeling
poppy - consolation, evanescent pleasure
rose - love, success, beauty
rose yellow - infidelity
rosebud - pure and lovely
rosemary - remembrance
rue - grief, repentance
SAGE - LONG LIFE, WISDOM, DOMESTIC VIRTUE, ESTEEM
salad burnet - cheerful disposition
salvia - wisdom
santolina - full of virtue
snowdrop - hope
southernwood - constancy
spearmint - warmth of sentiment
spruce - hope in adversity
sunflower - lofty thoughts
sweet sultan - happiness
sweet woodruff - humble spirit
tansy - hostility
tarragon - lasting involvement
tulip red - declaration of love
thyme - daring, activity, courage
violet - modesty, devotion, faith
violet white - innocence
verbena pink - family union
veronica - fidelity
wheat - prosperity
woodbine - fraternal love
yarrow - health
zinnia - thoughts of absent friends
(Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs & Flowers, the Angels' Alphabet: The Language and Poetry of Flowers)
My Sage Nosegay Bouquet rhymes and ages well. Gift it when the herbs are fresh. As they dry, a little squeeze brings their aroma back to life. A bouquet also makes a nice ornament for the top of a wrapped gift. You might include a gift tag with an short explanation of the meaning of the bouquet.
Note: Fresh sage $1.50 at the farmers market. Can't beat that!
Gather sage into small bundles. Trim lower leaves to expose stems.
Secure sage bundles with string.
String ends through a button, knot, or tie in a double-knotted bow.
Cut netting.
Option 1: Roll entire nosegay INSIDE the netting.
Option 1: Everything INSIDE netting. Fold excess netting over stems & secure with string or a rubber band.
Option 2: Roll sage bundle INSIDE netting & secure with string and button OUTSIDE the netting.
All done! Options 1 and 2 - take your pick.
~it'smeheatherlea