The poetic scent of Honeysuckle has inspired the poets, as well as lovers for centuries. Shakespeare wrote “Sleep thou, and I will wind thee in my arms … So doth the woodbine the sweet honeysuckle Gently entwist.” For Chaucer, Honeysuckle was a poetic metaphor for faithfulness in love, steadfast.
The Victorians didn’t allow Honeysuckle into the home as it was believed it induced vivid, and highly sexual dreams. The bewitching aspect of Honeysuckle was known to the Irish, who grew it outside their doors to keep witch’s away. And young girls knew that to sleep with Honeysuckle around the neck brought on dreams which of your true love.
My own honeysuckle bush is in a forgotten corner of the Witch’s Garden, seldom visited. When in bloom however, it makes its presence known that it’s time to come out and take a look.
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