Do you find yourself drawn to the epic fantasy series of Game of Thrones? Harry Potter? The Hobbit? Do dark candle lit castles, turrets and dungeons call out to the knight or fair maiden inside you?

How might you recreate the feel of a medieval renaissance fair in your very own Stony Brook home for that special occasion?

Perhaps, along with some specialty shop costumes, you might consider including floral decorations and arrangements bearing the name of snapdragon, alluding to the legendary fire breathing creature of yore. Superstition has it that snapdragons were planted near the gates of European castles to help ward against any potential evil threat, imbuing them with mighty powers.

Snapdragons (antirrhinum majus) are a perennial flower whose name comes from the Greek term meaning “noselike” because of its resemblance in appearance to the face of a dragon. Originally native to Spain, Italy and North Africa, this hardy flower made its way across the ocean during Colonial times.

A leafy stem of snapdragons contains multiple blooms and some grow between 24-36 inches long. The blooms open from the bottom up and come in a wide variety of colors including white, yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, lavender and burgundy as well as bicolor varieties. The petals have soft, ruffled edges and the flower gives off a subtle scent. There is a natural curve at the top of the stem lending it a whimsical air. They are available year round.

Snapdragons were a favorite flower used during the 50’s, so using them today can add a touch of nostalgia to your decor. They’ve long been a popular favorite and, in 1994, they were voted “Flower of the Year” by the US National Garden Bureau.

Snapdragons have small blooms making them the perfect size individually to decorate cakes, salads, fruit plates and specialty cocktails, although the petals are not edible. On the stem, they make striking centerpieces and tall stems can be set in vases or urns on the floor for dramatic effect.

One way to get the look of a freshly picked bouquet of wildflowers is by combining snapdragons with a mix of daisies, chrysanthemums and allium suggesting a carefree, informal vibe. For a more formal presentation, snapdragons make a lovely addition to a bouquet of peonies, roses, foxgloves and hydrangea.

Any way you choose to use them, snapdragons will add a touch of graciousness and allure to your floral creations.

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