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Miscellaneous => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: Hilary on September 19, 2016, 07:24:54 AM

Title: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 19, 2016, 07:24:54 AM
Rosa canina =Wild Rose and in French, Eglantine
In 1989 the Greek Post Office brought out a Commemorative Stamp Set named  " Wild flowers"
This 8 drachma stamp is the first in the series.

And, since I have the information leaflet, I can give you the Greek official name and the Greek common name
Κυνορροδή = Αγριοτριανταφυλλιά

Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 20, 2016, 05:46:41 AM
Myrtus communis = Common Myrtle and in French, Myrte.
Μύρτος η κοινή  = Μυρτιά

A photo of the 10 drachma stamp  in the  series  'Wildflowers"
Also a photo of Myrtle from my flower photo collection
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 21, 2016, 05:46:23 AM
Papaver rhoeas = Field Poppy and in French, Coquelicot
Μήκων η ροιάς  = Παπαρούνα
The 20 drachma stamp  of the series "Wildflowers"  and a  photo of a Poppy in a field.
Poppies are notoriously difficult to snap as there is always a slight breeze and they are very  delicate
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 22, 2016, 07:19:55 AM
Anemone blanda =  Windflower, Anemone
Ανεμώνη η χαρίης
This is the 30 drachma stamp  in the series "Wildflowers"
The photo was taken this year on Parnona on the way to Sparta.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 23, 2016, 05:54:21 AM
Taraxacum officinale = Dandelion and in French, Pissenlit.
Ταράξακο το  φαρμακευτικό

Cichorium intybus = Chicory and in French Chicoree
Κιχώριο το ίντυβο

This 60 drachma  stamp  depicts  two very common plants in Greece
The yellow Dandelion and the blue Chicory

Bitter Herbs = Πικραλίδες
The leaves of both these plants are picked and boiled as salads or included in pies
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Alisdair on September 23, 2016, 08:02:58 AM
These are very interesting - and great fun, seeing the real thing at the same time! Thanks very much for getting all this together, Hilary  :)
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 24, 2016, 06:50:18 AM
Malva sylvestris = Mallow and in French, Mauve
Μαλάχη η αγρία = Μολόχα

The 70 drachma stamp of the series depicting yet another very common wild flower of Greece.

Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 25, 2016, 06:23:14 AM
Silybum marianum = Thistle and in French, Chardon
Σίλυβο το μαριανά= Γαϊδουράγκαθο
I don't actually have this 200 drachma stamp in my collection but I took a photo of it from the leaflet.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 26, 2016, 07:18:02 AM
NATURE PROTECTION -  FLORA
There were eight stamps in this series of Greek postage stamps issued in 1958.
I have four of them in my collection

This one of 50 lepta writes down the side
ΡΟΔΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΑΦΡΟΔΙΤΗ =  Rose and Aphrodite
One of the symbols of Aphrodite is the rose, especially fragrant ones.
However the flower depicted here is a Hibiscus flower, Hibiscus rosa- sinensis
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 27, 2016, 06:52:32 AM
The 70 lepta stamp in the series
ΠΙΤΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΝ
Pinus pinea
Πεύκη η πίτυς
Stone Pine and Pan


The photo shows a Pine tree, at Ancient Corinth, which is very popular with the tourists during the hot summer.
I don't know if it is actually Pinus pinea
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Alisdair on September 27, 2016, 08:38:37 AM
Possibly Pinus brutia?
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 27, 2016, 10:26:31 AM
We will examine the Pine tree properly in the winter when we intend going to see the 'new' statues in the museum.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 28, 2016, 05:20:23 AM
CROCUS ATTICUS
Crocus sieberi atticus
Κρόκος της Αττικής
The 1 drachma stamp in the series
Title: Crocus atticus - Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Alisdair on September 28, 2016, 08:57:53 AM
Hilary, though you're right to point out that nowadays most people treat "Crocus atticus" as just a version of Crocus sieberi, it's interesting that in his 2010 book Crocuses the Latvian authority Dr Jānis RukÅ¡āns treats Crocus atticus as a species in its own right - and it looks as if Kew are likely to follow suit.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 29, 2016, 06:16:03 AM
IRIS CRETICA
iris unguicularis subsp. cretensis
Ίρις η κρητική
The 2 drachma stamp in this series.
There were two other stamps in the series but I don't have them.

The photo is of Iris unguicularis taken in February this year  on Mount Parnon on the way to Sparta.
They were at eye level which was an added joy.

All comments on name changes and wrong information which I have used gratefully accepted.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 30, 2016, 05:53:46 AM
Platanus orientalis
This  stamp of 1959  from a series commemorating the Red Cross shows
the HIPPOCRATES PLANE TREE on the island of Kos.

The photo is of the Plane trees at Karies, Lakonia.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Alisdair on September 30, 2016, 08:44:35 AM
What splendid ancient trees, Hilary
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 30, 2016, 09:00:35 AM
They must be protected from the fungal infection.
Don't hammer nails into the trunk to hang lamps or sound systems.
Always use clean tools.
Even bulldozers/ diggers should be thoroughly washed after being used on infected trees.
Apparently the fungus has reached two parts of Greece.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 01, 2016, 06:04:57 AM
ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΚΑΠΝΑ
GREEK TOBACCO


These, 1 and 5 drachma stamps, date from 1966.
One shows how the leaves were harvested and the other how they were prepared before being sun cured.

Three types of tobacco are grown in Greece and according to a website I found  they are the following
Virginia tobacco, Basmas tobacco  and Katerini tobacco
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 02, 2016, 05:55:37 AM
Abies cephalonica
The 1970  European Nature Conservation year stamp series
This 80 lepta stamp shows the Greek fir which grows in several places as well as Mount Ainos in Cephalonia
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 03, 2016, 05:14:14 AM
Jankaea heldreichii
This beautiful plant shown on the 2.50 drachma stamp grows on Mount Olympus between 700 m, and 1400m.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Charithea on October 03, 2016, 03:17:31 PM
Hilary, thank you for evoking childhood memories with your photos of stamps.  My late mother would certainly have recognized the flowers and their names such as Αγριοτριανταφυλλιά, μολόχα, παπαρούνα  and γαϊδουράγκαθο . These are the names I called them too until I grow up and learnt English and later their Latin names. 
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 04, 2016, 07:35:29 AM
This series of Greek postage stamps came out in 1978.
There were six stamps in the series and I have four of them.
I have never seen a single one of these flowers.
The 1.50 drachma stamp depicts
Ebenus cretica
Cretan ebony
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: John J on October 04, 2016, 08:02:22 AM
Hilary, in the terraces at the MGS garden, Sparoza, there is an Ebenus cretica that is probably around a half century old by now. There is a fine photo of it taken by Vina Michaelides on the MGS website. From the Home page click on MGS garden Sparoza, then on A Guided Tour, then on terraces on the map and finally on Ebenus cretica shown in blue in the text.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Alisdair on October 04, 2016, 09:18:05 AM
Hilary, John's method will not only get you to Vina's lovely picture but also offer splendidly tempting deviations from that particular path, to find all sorts of other very interesting things about our HQ garden. (But if you don't have the time to follow those well-worthwhile temptations, for a short cut to Vina's picture just click here (http://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/i/tour/27.jpg)).
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 04, 2016, 10:45:05 AM
I thought that photo of the stamp depicting Ebenus cretica would get some reaction.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 05, 2016, 07:39:56 AM
This is the 2.50 drachma  stamp in the series depicting
Fritillaria rhodokanakis.
At some time it appears that the first k was changed  into a c
The plant  grows on the island of Hydra and on the mainland of Argolis and Ermioni
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 06, 2016, 06:12:41 AM
Campanula oreadum
This wild flower grows on Mount Olympus between 1900m and 2900m
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 07, 2016, 06:32:30 AM
Lilium heldreichii
Another plant which likes to grow on mountains
This flower grows between 500m and 1900m
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps (Lilium heldreichii/chalcedonicum
Post by: Alisdair on October 07, 2016, 08:44:56 AM
Hilary, This Lilium heldreichii or "scarlet lily of Chalcedony" is one of the most spectacular of all lilies, and we hope to see it, along with several other of Greece's lily species, in a wild flower tour of Northern Greece which the Royal Horticultural Society's Lily Group has kindly invited MGS members to join, in early July next year. It's normally called Lilium chalcedonicum now, and here's a picture of one I took a few years ago:
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 07, 2016, 10:47:07 AM
Lovely photo
Yes, I noticed the name change but went with what was written on the stamp.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 08, 2016, 07:10:26 AM
Cheating a little today.

Myrtus communis
This stamp depicts one of the finds  from a tomb at Vergina.
The wreath is of gold Myrtle leaves and flowers.

1979 ΒΕΡΓΙΝΑ
ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΑ ΕΥΡΗΜΑΤΑ

1979 VERGINA
ARCHAEOLOGICAL  DISCOVERIES
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 09, 2016, 08:08:32 AM
Orchidea = A Greek orchid = ΟΡΧΙΔΕΑ
This stamp, dated 2001, shows a Greek orchid flower on Pelion.

Pelion,Πήλιο, is a thickly forested area on the east of Greece, near Volos, which was the home to Chiron the Centaur.

The Euro currency was  first circulated in January 2002 but before that stamps and most items were priced with both Drachma and Euro

I wonder if anyone knows which Orchid this is?
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Alisdair on October 09, 2016, 08:16:01 AM
Looks like a helleborine, Hilary, perhaps Cephalanthera longifolia
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: JTh on October 09, 2016, 10:00:32 AM
I agree with you, Alisdair, it certainly looks like Cephalanthera longifolia, which I have often seen in the Holomondas.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 10, 2016, 06:33:21 AM
Many thanks.
I should get out and wander in the woods.
So many plants waiting for me there.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 10, 2016, 06:34:45 AM
Lilium chalcedonicum = Scarlet lily of Chalcedony.

This stamp from 2001 depicts the lily with a background of Plastiras Lake, Karditsa.
The artificial lake is fed by the Tavropos River

ΛΙΛΙΟΥΜ 
Λίμνη Πλαστήρα Καρδίτσας
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 11, 2016, 07:28:08 AM
Phoenix theophrasti= Cretan date palm
This 0,05 E stamp, dated 2004, depicts the beach at Vai, Crete.[ Κρήτη- Βάι]
The beach is famous for its forest of Cretan date palms.
Also a doctored photo from our visit to Crete in 1986
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 12, 2016, 08:14:05 AM
Pinus pinea
This 4E stamp shows the famous beach on the island of  Skiathos, the Koukounaries.
Koukounaria,Κουκουνάρια, are pine trees, this forest reaches right down to the sea.

The photo was taken from a distance when we visited the island in 1989.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 13, 2016, 06:44:10 AM
Gladiolus illyricus = Wild Gladiolus
This 0.20 stamp, from a postage stamp  series of 2005, shows one of the wild Gladiolus which grow in Greece.

The photo is of some, probably not Gladiolus illyricus,  I saw growing in a garden on the island of Corfu several years ago.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 14, 2016, 07:38:07 AM
Crocus sieberi   Sometimes called the Snow Crocus.

The 0.40 E stamp shows a  crocus, apparently  very common in Greece, emerging from the snow.
 
The photo was taken of mauve crocus in a friend's garden in Leeds, January this year

Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 15, 2016, 08:08:02 AM
Rhododendron luteum = Honeysuckle Azalea, Yellow Azalea

This 1.40 E postage stamp depicts a Yellow Azalea which, in Greece, only grows on the island of Lesvos.

For those of you who like to read Greek it is named Ροδόδενδρο το κίτρινο , Αγουίδουρας
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 16, 2016, 06:47:08 AM
Vitis vinifera, Xinomavro, red wine grape
This stamp, from a series of 2005  about agriculture /wine, shows the red Xinomavro grapes.
Xinomavro ,sour black.
These  grapes  are grown in the north of Greece to make dark red wine.
I am afraid I have not been able to find out anything about the ancient coin depicting the "Star of Vergina"
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on January 22, 2017, 09:27:07 AM
The HELLENIC POST  issued a series in December 2016 named BLOOMING HERBS OF THE GREEK LAND.
I couldn't resist the temptation and bought the presentation pack.

Origanum dictamnus , Cretan dittany,Δίκταμος

I quote from a site I found on the internet
Quote
is a healing, therapeutic and aromatic plant that only grows wild on the mountainsides and gorges of the Greek island of Crete

There are many references to Origanum dictamnus in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN.
I chose one at random, issue number 37, July 2004, on page 40, in the article "HORTA" by Caroline Davies
 
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on January 23, 2017, 09:02:25 AM
Cistus creticus - Pink Rock-Rose,  Λαδανιά

The 20 cent stamp in the  2016 series  BLOOMING HERBS OF THE GREEK LAND.

From WILD FLOWERS of the MEDITERRANEAN by MARJORIE BLAMEY and CHRISTOPHER GREY-WILSON.

Quote
"Ladanum , which is said to be collected from the leaves in hot weather by dragging a rake-like implement through the bushes (it was probably a source of myrrh).The resultant dark brown gum is fragrant and bitter-tasting and  is used in perfumes and medicinal pastes"

This plant is mentioned many times in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN so I have chosen at random issue number 10, Autumn 1997,page 23.
The article is by Richard Morphy and the title is ...AND IN GREECE 
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on January 24, 2017, 01:18:52 PM
Hypericum empetrifolium Υπερικό

This plant is mentioned many times in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN.
 Today I chose to read issue number 24, April 2001, page 30.
A CISTUS HYBRID IN CRETE by Olivier Filippi.

As a bonus I refer you to Making  a Garden on a  Greek Hillside by Mary Jaqueline Tyrwhitt.
On pages   148-149 there is an entry about this plant and an added foot note.
 
Quote
[This shrub never goes into dormancy and yet is entirely drought resistant.
It should be given a place in every Mediterranean garden. S.R.]
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on January 25, 2017, 09:28:48 AM
Origanum vulgare -Ρίγανι-Marjoram
Another stamp from the Greek postage stamp series depicting Greek herbs.

Today I chose issue number 75, January 2014,  of THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN for you to read about Origanum vulgare and many more herbs in the article on page 21  HERBS IN FOOD by Lynne Chatterton.

I have included a photo of what I had identified as Origanum vulgare but in the end it looks nothing like it. If anyone could inform me of the correct  identity of the plant in my photo, I would be grateful
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on January 26, 2017, 06:28:43 AM
Sideritis clandestina , Τσάι του βουνού, Greek Mountain tea

I couldn't find any reference to this plant in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN but all is not lost.
Sideritis clandestinais mentioned in an account of one of the interesting walks organised by the Greek branch of the society. http://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/branches-gr.html (http://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/branches-gr.html)
Scroll all the way down to May 2013 and read Exploring the Parnon Mountains.

The photo I have included is of  Greek Mountain Tea collected on Dourdouvana by a friend of mine.
Apparently some Sideritis  have more flavour than others.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on January 27, 2017, 08:43:29 AM
Salvia fruticosa- Φασκόμηλο - Three- leaved Sage
The last stamp in the ΑΝΘΙΣΜΕΝΑ  ΒΟΤΑΝΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΓΗΣ, BLOOMING HERBS OF THE GREEK LAND series.

This plant is mentioned many times in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN.
Yesterday I read, in issue number 48, April 2007,
 HOW PLANTS COPE WITH DRYNESS: MECHANISMS OF ADAPTATION  by Olivier Filippi
where Salvia fruticosa is mentioned on page 20
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on May 01, 2017, 05:35:22 PM
Although I can't find any reference to May Wreaths in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN I couldn't let the day  pass without posting a photo of this  stamp issued by the Greek Post office in 2014
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on July 25, 2017, 05:47:06 AM
Caretta caretta, Loggerhead turtle 

A stamp issued by Greece in 1990

These turtles bury their eggs in several beaches around Greece
You can read about the area of Zakynthos where the turtles are protected here
http://www.archelon.gr/eng/habitat_zak.php

When we were on  holiday on this beach in 1975 the road  was along the beach and no mention of turtles

Up till now I have been finding the article in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN to suit the stamp in my collection.
In this case I have been trying desperately to find a suitable stamp to suit the article.
TMG issue number 40
IN SEARCH OF PHLOMIS SPECIES IN SOUTHERN TURKEY
by Olivier Filippi.

I don’t think there ever has been a postage stamp featuring Phlomis and most of the other plants mentioned either do not exist in my stamp collection or have never been on postage stamps.
However, I enjoyed reading this article so much, as an armchair traveller; I decided to illustrate it here with the above postage stamp.
I quote from the article
The beach at Patara
Quote
“a protected site where the Loggerhead turtle,
Caretta caretta, comes to lay its eggs each  summer”
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on August 11, 2017, 05:40:09 AM
 Narcissus poeticus,  ΝΑΡΚΙΣΣΟΣ

In 1958 Greece issued a postage stamp series named
NATURE PROTECTION, FLORA ,
 some of the stamps  depicted  plants associated with Greek Mythology
You can read the story of Narcissus here
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Narcissus-Greek-mythology

Narcissi are mentioned many times in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
Today I have chosen issue number 58 for you to read the article by Cali Doxiadis GRASSES, NATIVE AND OTHERWISE
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 10, 2017, 05:25:07 AM
Laurus nobilis, Bay tree

A stamp issued by Greece in 1958 in a series named
 NATURE PROTECTION, FLORA

There is a small Bay tree, in the yard of the block of flats  where we live. Last week  I pruned it a bit / hacked off a few low branches,  the air was soon strongly scented.

 The photo is of the flowers taken one March

Down the side of the stamp it writes in Greek ΔΑΦΝΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝ  which translates as Daphne and Apollo

I found an article devoted to this plant in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
issue number 30, October 2002.
LANDSCAPING WITH BAY LAUREL.
[LAURUS NOBILIS L,]
By Ze’ev Vered
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 11, 2017, 04:52:02 AM
 I found another article in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN devoted entirely to Bay trees
THE BAY TREE
[LAURUS NOBILIS]
by Sabina Rossini Oliva
in TMG number 21, July 2000
Enjoy
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on September 12, 2017, 05:59:26 AM
Still on the theme of the Bay tree.
Reading THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN last night I came across an article by D.J. Bracey, ALEPPO SOAP.

To read about Bay tree oil and its use in soap go to TMG issue number 60, April 2010

My husband tells me he saw the same kind of soap production in Chania, Crete, 40  years ago.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on October 18, 2017, 05:19:29 AM
Cyclamen graecum

This stamp was issued in 1958 by Greece in a series named
 NATURE PROTECTION, FLORA

The photos were taken one October on the pebble beach at Ai Theodori, Korinthia, Greece, and the wooded area behind the beach.

To read SOME MUST-HAVE BULBOUS PLANTS
 FOR MEDITERRANEAN GARDENS by Oron Peri
Go to THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 82, October 2015
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Alisdair on October 18, 2017, 08:01:20 AM
Lovely, Hilary!
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on November 12, 2017, 06:58:08 AM
This stamp was issued by Greece in 2014 and is one of a series depicting the Months in Folk Lore

Here we have November and the Goddess Demeter holding some wheat and a collection of pulses grown in Greece and part of our winter diet. I suppose the yellow column in the middle must be olive oil.

I had great fun taking the photo.

The wheat  corn dolly was  bought at the canal a few years ago.
The olive oil is from Sparta.
The split Fava Beans are from Larissa and are Greek.
Printed on the packet Φάβα κομμένη, Λάρισας.
The lentils are from Pharsala, also Greek.
Printed on the packet ΦΑΚΕΣ ΨΙΛΕΣ Φαρσάλων.
The packet of the black eyed beans writes packed in Greece. I am ashamed to say that this means they are not produced in Greece.
Printed on the packet ΦΑΣΟΛΙΑ μαυρομάτικα.
The packet of  Medium Beans does not give us any information as to where the beans were produced or packed. This means that they were neither produced nor packed in Greece.
Printed on the packet Φασόλια Μέτρια.
More care will be taken the next time I buy beans.

I was thrilled to be able to find a reference to Fava Beans in an article about Santorini in TMG. Anyone who goes to Santorini buys a packet of split Fava Beans to take home.
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 72, April 2013
THE GRAPEVINES OF SANTORINI by David J. Bracey
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: John J on November 12, 2017, 08:35:07 AM
Excellent, Hilary, that's brilliant.
Just out of interest one source I've seen claims the Chrysanthemum as the flower of November. You recently featured this plant in your thread: Plants of the World on postage stamps.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on January 01, 2018, 11:01:09 AM
Punica granatum, Pomegranate

In 2014 Greece issued a series of stamps for the months of the year.January features a snowy scene and a Pomegranate.

There are many stories in Greek mythology about the pomegranate. Below I am quoting from one of my friends’ Blog about a New Year’s custom involving a pomegranate.

http://greekerthanthegreeks.blogspot.gr/2015/12/top-ten-greek-new-years-customs-and.html

I have never seen a pomegranate smashed  or smashed one myself  at a door but at the moment Greece is awash with pomegranate shaped ornaments for the Holiday season

A POMEGRANATE, an ancient symbol of prosperity and good luck, is hung above the door throughout Christmas and at midnight, on New Year’s Eve, the lights are turned out, the pomegranate is then hurled to the floor, or at the door, where it smashes, spilling out its seeds, the more seeds the better!

This helps ensure luck, health, happiness and prosperity for the coming year.


A pomegranate tree is a must for most gardens around here and of course they are mentioned in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
I suggest you read
A MAGICAL GARDEN IN MITHIMNA, LESBOS BY Carol P. Christ in issue number 49, July 2007

The photo is from “ The Feast of the  Pomegranate” which is held at Ermioni, Argolis, Peleponnese on the last weekend of October

Another photo of some of the pomegranate decorations currently around the house
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on April 20, 2018, 05:43:31 AM
Tobacco, Tabaco, common name for Nicotiana tabacum

This Greek stamp was issued in 1953 in a series named
 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

The photo of a dried up tobacco plant and its dried seed heads was taken at the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid in an area where agricultural products were being grown, tobacco, cotton, sugar beet, asparagus, carrots etc

Tobacco is mentioned in a list of American plants which Mediterranean countries are dependant on, THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 63, January 2011
Read
THE HISTORY OF CRETAN LANDSCAPES AND THEIR SPECIAL PLANTS
 by Oliver Rackham   
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on August 27, 2018, 05:16:19 AM
Tulipa boeotica, Tulipa undulatifolia

A stamp issued in 1958 by the Greek Postal Service   

I have never seen these tulips growing wild but a friend of mine once appeared at the door with a bunch of them for me. In fact I even took a photo of one of them

Tulipa boeotica are mentioned in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN issue number 57, July 2009 in From the President:
 THE WILD ONES by Caroline Harbouri
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: John J on August 29, 2018, 08:35:09 AM
Hilary, my apologies if I am trespassing on your turf but this stamp was on the envelope containing the MGS July Journal and I couldn't resist it.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on August 29, 2018, 09:13:45 AM
Yes, there is a series of four stamps featuring Apis mellifera, European honey bee which  was issued to celebrate the
WORLD BEE DAY by the Greek postal authorities.
The information leaflet states

Quote
The Hellenic Post wishes to thank the photographer Nikos Kokolakis, for providing material which enabled the publication of present Series..

So far I have managed to resist the temptation of ordering and buying the set
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on August 29, 2018, 11:34:17 AM
I forgot to find a reference to Honey Bees in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN and now I can tell you there is no shortage.` Luckily the first  article I chose from the index had not been used before in this thread and seemed suitable.

AJUGA: A BEAUTIFUL INVASIVE SOLUTION by Helene Pizzi
 I have included a photo of  Ajuga reptans which was identified for me by this Forum
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on August 29, 2018, 12:11:16 PM
Photo of Ajuga reptans
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on August 31, 2018, 05:01:32 AM
Greek fruit

A stamp issued by Greece, to be more correct, The Hellenic Post, in 1981, showing a wooden box, lemons, apples, grapes and watermelon. There are four stamps in the series, I have another one depicting vegetables
.
I had intended trying to make a combination of this selection of fruit and snapping it, but where to find a wooden box?
Then looking for something else among the slides I came across this photo of a greengrocery store somewhere in Crete in 1966.
You will notice wooden crates, a handmade basket, and a sack, not a cardboard box or plastic crate in sight,

To read about old varieties of fruit trees go to THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN  number 56, April 2009 and read
MEMORIES OF A VIST TO SAN LORENZO by Carole Cross
For photographs of some of the fruit, see THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN SOCIETY website
http://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/56-lorenzo.html
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on November 22, 2018, 10:51:55 AM
Bamboo  and Olea europaea

A stamp issued by Greece, HELLENIC POST in 2017, in a three stamp series, to celebrate

2017 - YEAR OF CULTURAL EXCHANGES AND COOPERATION
OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES OF GREECE – CHINA

I took the photo of Bamboo leaves in the Palacio de Cristal de la Arganzuela, a large greenhouse near the Manzanares River, in Madrid this spring.

The heavily laden Olive tree was snapped near Mystras, Peloponnese at the end of October.

As you can imagine both Bamboo and Olive trees are mentioned many times in
 THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
In the end I chose number 12, Spring 1998 for you to read
 MY CAPRICIOUS GARDEN by Gillian M. Oberli

Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on April 10, 2019, 07:27:10 AM
Apis mellifera, European Honey Bee, Μέλισσα

“20 MAY – WORLD BEE DAY”

Greece issued this four stamp series in May 2018.
I have included a scan of part of the leaflet issued with the stamps.

Unfortunately I have lost the photo I had of an old Greek beehive but remembered one of a great uncle of mine, Alexander, in the north of Scotland, probably around 1910, proudly standing beside his bee hives.

Bees are mentioned many times of course in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
Read WHY ARE SO MANY SPRING FLOWERS YELLOW?
By D. J. Bracey   in journal number 64 April 2011
You can see photos of some of the yellow flowers mentioned in the article here

http://www.mediterraneangardensocietyarchive.org/64-yellow.html
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Alisdair on April 10, 2019, 08:24:43 AM
Lovely photo!
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on July 19, 2019, 10:43:49 AM
Narcissus tazetta, Bunch flowered narcissus 

A stamp issued by Greece, in a five stamp series named
 DOMESTIC  FLOWERS, in 2005

The photo is of Narcissus tazetta bought in January last year  from street sellers

There has been a lot of activity lately on the Forum about Narcissus.
 http://www.mgsforum.org/smf/index.php?topic=348.255
I thought I would join in the fun with this stamp which has been waiting its turn for quite a  while.

Tazetta is mentioned in many issues of  THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
Go to number 25, July 2001 and read
 TWO VERY DIFFERENT APPROACHES IN A CORFU GARDEN
  by Cali Doxiadis
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on February 05, 2020, 08:34:59 AM
Western rock nuthatch, Sitta neumayer, Βραχοτσοπανάκος

Greece issued this stamp in a two stamp series named
 EUROPA STAMPS National Birds in 2019

Sorry no photo

Rock Nuthatches are mentioned in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 25, July 2001 in
AN UNFORGETTABLE  EXPEDITION TO THE PELOPONNESE AND CRETE
By George Sfikas

If you read this article you will want to drop everything in April and set off for the Peloponnese and Crete.
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on February 10, 2020, 06:54:07 AM
Greek, tinned and fresh, fruit and vegetables

A stamp issued by Greece in 1981in a four stamp series named
 GREEK EXPORTS

I managed to collect a few tins of Greek products but I found it too hot, even at the end of September, to crawl to the supermarket, which is just one block up the street, to find more vegetables to add to this photo.

Now every Greek garden has an area devoted to vegetables in the summer. Anyone who has room enough has a few tomato plants, courgettes , green peppers and aubergine plants growing  in a sunny corner, not to mention the green beans, instant ingredients for a summer meal. However, most of the articles in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN seem to ignore the kitchen gardens and only mention Olive trees and grape vines. You can hear my exasperation coming through here.

Luckily for me I found in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 99, January 2020 a mention of
 “ A small kitchen garden ….with a few vegetables “
Read PRE- AGM VISIT TO CORFU,
OCTOBER 2019
By Valerie Whittington
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on February 13, 2020, 07:13:53 AM
This stamp was issued in 2005 by Greece on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the
GENERAL CHEMICAL STATE LABORATORY OF GREECE,
ΓΕΝΙΚΟ ΧΗΜΕΙΟ ΤΟΥ ΚΡΑΤΟΣ

I notice that there is an olive branch in the corner, an opportunity for yet another photo of an Olive tree or, in this case, an olive branch. 

It would be difficult to find an issue of THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN which does not have a reference to Olive trees. I looked for an article I have not ‘used’ before and came up with
THE GARDEN IN SUMMER by Jenny Bussey
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN  number 5, Summer 1996
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on March 18, 2020, 05:55:47 AM
March, Swallow

Greece issued this stamp in a 12-stamp series in 2014, one for each month.

The swallows are supposed to return to Greece in March and I was on the lookout for them last year but it wasn't until much later that I did see some swallows flying around in the evening. There used to be a couple of nests on the outside stairwell of the block of flats where we live but someone destroyed them in the pursuit of cleanliness. An old cardboard box underneath the nests would have been just as good

Looking around the house for something depicting swallows I found two on this Willow Pattern plate

For something to read in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN it has to be
GOING NATIVE
MEDITERRANEAN GARDENS
AND MIGRATORY BIRDS by Melissa Hamilton
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 86, October 2016

Last evening, as I was closing the shutters, I saw my first swallow of the year

Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on March 31, 2021, 06:28:36 AM
Carduelis chloris, European greenfinch, Φλώρος

Greece issued a series of five stamps featuring
SONGBIRDS OF THE GREEK COUNTRYSIDE in 2014

A greenfinch and its morning chorus is mentioned in
STARTING FROM SCRATCH IN SPAIN…
By Judith Barclay
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 10, Autumn 1997
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on April 14, 2021, 05:52:11 AM
Luscinia megaryhynchos, Cinnamon – coloured nightingale, Αηδόνι

Greece issued a series of five stamps featuring
SONGBIRDS OF THE GREEK COUNTRYSIDE in 2014

The Nightingale is mentioned in many issues of THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN. I chose number 83, January 2016 for you to read
GOING NATIVE by Melissa Hamilton

Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on April 21, 2021, 07:48:24 AM
Carduelis cannabina, Small - bodied common linnet, Φανέτο

Greece issued a series of five stamps featuring
SONGBIRDS OF THE GREEK COUNTRYSIDE in 2014

Not finding too many references to songbirds in Greece in THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN I was happy enough just to find birds referred to at all
A ZAKYNTHOS GARDEN:
NEW ARRIVALS
By Christina Riganeli
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 25, July 2001

Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on April 28, 2021, 08:02:28 AM
Carduelis carduelis, European goldfinch, Καρδερίνα

Greece issued a series of five stamps featuring
SONGBIRDS OF THE GREEK COUNTRYSIDE in 2014

Goldfinches are mentioned in
GARDENS IN LOCKDOWN by Lesley Dellagana
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 102, October 2020
Photographs of this article can be seen here


https://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/102-lockdown.html
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on May 05, 2021, 06:35:49 AM
Carduelis spinus, European siskin, Λούγαρο

Greece issued a series of five stamps featuring
SONGBIRDS OF THE GREEK COUNTRYSIDE in 2014

Looking through old journals trying to find references to birds, in Greece, I came across this article
THE RENAISSANCE OF A GARDEN IN RHODES
By Manuela de Montalembert
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN number 34 , October 2003

I liked the description of a pool where ‘numerous birds come here to drink’

Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on May 28, 2021, 06:45:05 AM
Triticum aestivum, Wheat

In 2020 Greece issued a set of four stamps named
ANNIVERSARIES AND EVENTS 

One of the stamps depicts the Agricultural University of Athens, which was founded in 1920, and an ear of Wheat
Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo of the railings, topped with stylized wheat ears, which enclose part of the huge complex of the AUA. However, I do have a photo, taken in 1993, of the university building and  our son Michael who was a student  there
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on March 21, 2022, 08:56:42 AM
Cervus elaphus, Red deer

A stamp issued by Greece in a two-stamp series in 2021
Red deer  are found on Mount Parnitha, in Attica  and  the Rhodope Mountains of northeastern Greece

Deer is mentioned in several issues of THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
I chose
HIGHLIGHTS OF TWO  MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN SOCIETY VISITS TO GREECE, 2019
By Lilian Hayball
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
Number 99, January 2020
Title: Re: Wild flowers of Greece on postage stamps
Post by: Hilary on March 11, 2023, 10:35:51 AM
Tulipa boeotica, Τουλίπα, Λάλες   

A stamp issued by Greece, in a five-stamp series named

 DOMESTIC FLOWERS, in 2005

Over the years I posted scans of four of the stamps in the series
Yesterday we received a prepaid card featuring this tulip flower and thus completing the series