Famous for its sweetly scented flowers, this genus of 55 species of annuals, perennials, and subshrubs is a member of the cabbage (Brassicaceae) family. The species are native to Europe, central and southwestern Asia, and North Africa. Also known as stock or gillyflower, these plants are traditional favorites that are popular for cut flowers and for garden bedding plants. Stocks were once grown for medicinal purposes, and a comment attributed to Italian botanist Pierandrea Mattioli (1501-1577), after whom the genus is named, that he grew these plants only for matters of love and lust, suggests the medicine had much to do with the scent.
I have a feeling that Pierandrea and I would have got on well. The colours in this bunch of stocks are sublime, especially in the afternoon autumn sunlight, don’t you think? I wish I could shrink down Alice-in-Wonderland style and dive into the mass of petals. That, and/or have the most beautiful silk & taffeta creation made and spend the afternoon (no, days) swirling around in it.
$8 for a testament to love and lust = money well spent.
Rupert Street Digest 
Jim
May 11, 2012
Reminds me of a recent Coldplay song:)
Emma
November 14, 2012
Sensual, reminds me of 70’s porn!
Laura@RupertStreetDigest
November 14, 2012
You know, I’m gunna have to check that out!