Program To Show Power Of Plants

Most people don’t know it, but some plants and flowers in their own back yards can heal wounds, scare away evil spirits or even cure the plague.

“Many plants have fascinating religious, magical and legendary significance,” said Gerry Krueger, owner of Blossoms and Bloomers, a Valley nursery.

“You might have antique plants in your garden that have a titillating past.”

Krueger, a fourth-generation gardener, will present a free lecture and slide program Monday at the Valley Library showing the history, medicinal uses and magical powers attributed to common garden plants and flowers.

“Folklore of Local Plants” begins at 7 p.m. Monday at the library, E12004 Main.

“There weren’t any stores years ago so a garden was kind of a medicine chest,” Krueger said.

Scabiosa, a colorful flower shaped like a pin cushion, was used years ago as a remedy for itching and to treat scabies, Krueger said.

Daffodils, once used by the Romans to heal wounds, are used today in multiple sclerosis testing, Krueger said.

Krueger, a former teacher and graphic artist, established her nursery six years ago, but gardening, she said, has always been “in my blood.”

Blossoms and Bloomers, E11415 Krueger Lane, specializes in old roses, perennials and plants that attract birds. Her two-acre display garden is open to the public in May and June.