Bloom with Empowerment: Create a Feminist Garden with Flowers Honoring Inspiring Kiwi Women
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a Suffrage Garden
Flower power might remind you of the peaceful protests during the Vietnam War, but did you know that suffragists used floral symbolism to advance their cause long before that? These women, who fought for the right to vote, wore and distributed flowers in their country’s suffrage colors. In New Zealand, the official color was white, and their signature flower was the white camellia, specifically Camellia japonica ‘Alba Plena’, symbolizing ‘womanly excellence’ in floriography.
The War of the Camellias
In 1893, suffragists handed white camellias to supportive parliamentarians and red camellias to those against their campaign. This floral protest led to a significant victory: on September 19, 1893, New Zealand became the first nation to grant women the right to vote. Kate Sheppard, the figurehead of this movement, is honored on the $10 note alongside the ‘Alba Plena’ camellia.
Suffrage Colors and Symbolism
In England, the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) adopted purple, green, and white as their official colors. These colors represented dignity, purity, and hope, respectively. WSPU members wore these colors and carried flowers like violets during processions. The significance of these colors is now reflected in International Women’s Day, celebrated every March 8.
Iconic Kiwi Women and Their Blooms
To celebrate the perseverance of these brave women, consider creating a feminist garden with flowers named after iconic Kiwi women:
- ‘Kate Sheppard’ Camellia: Named in honor of Kate Sheppard, this camellia was released in 1993 to mark 100 years since New Zealand women gained the right to vote.
- ‘Kate Sheppard’ Rose: This floribunda rose is renowned for its good health, much like Kate Sheppard, who lived until she was 86.
- ‘Katherine Mansfield’ Rose: Named after the famous writer, this lavender-colored hybrid tea rose is a beautiful addition to any garden.
- ‘Dame Te Ata’ Rose: This fragrant purple rose celebrates the life of the late Māori queen, Te Atairangikaahu, and was released in 2008 to honor her 40-year reign.
- ‘Kiri Te Kanawa’ Clematis: The exquisite violet-blue flowers of this climber are perfect for honoring the revered opera singer, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
- ‘My Mum’ Rose: This pretty, peachy-pink rose is highly disease-resistant, much like the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere.
Celebrate the spirit of these inspiring women by planting a garden that not only blooms with beauty but also with the empowering history of feminism.
