Read by Matilda Longbottom

Sally’s party was the stuff of Summer dreams. Her Maine island cottage was alive with oldies blaring from a stereo perched on the deck, the tantalizing scent of barbecue mingling with the salty sea air, and a bowl of lobster swimming in butter that could make anyone swoon. Drinks flowed as generously as the tide under the nearby bridge. Her garden, lush and abundant, truly felt like Eden.

Suddenly, Sally appeared, a bit tipsy and full of cheer. “Would you like a tussie-mussie?” she asked, swaying slightly with a gleeful smile.

I raised an eyebrow, expecting her to return with a fruity cocktail served in a hollowed-out pineapple, complete with a colorful straw and umbrella. But no, Sally had something entirely different in mind. Moments later, she placed a dainty nosegay in my hands. I blinked. “Huh?”

Until that moment, I’d never heard of a tussie-mussie. Yet, here it was—a delicate arrangement of lavender, lamb’s ear, bee balm, tiny daisies, and geraniums, all wrapped in a paper lace doily and tied with a pink satin ribbon. The fragrance was enchanting, a blend of garden sweetness and sea breeze.

Sally, brimming with excitement, explained the origins of the tussie-mussie. Back in the Victorian era, flowers were carefully chosen to convey messages of love, affection, or friendship. Each stem had a meaning: lavender for devotion, daisies for innocence, bee balm for courage. Herbs were often added for their texture and scent—practical and poetic. And as Sally delightedly shared, tussie-mussies weren’t just a quaint custom; they once served to ward off unpleasant odors or even disease in medieval times.

I learned that the term “tussie-mussie” hails from Middle English, where “tusemose” meant “flowers and moss.” By the 1830s, they’d become a full-blown fashion trend, often carried in decorative holders made of silver, pewter, or enamel. Queen Victoria herself helped popularize the tussie-mussie, elevating it to the height of refinement. Today, you might even stumble across these antique posy holders on eBay—though Sally assured me no fancy accessories were required to embrace this timeless gesture.

As my tussie-mussie began to fade, Sally suggested hanging it on a doorknob to dry and preserve its charm. I followed her advice, and it served as a fragrant reminder of that magical evening. Sally, a prize-winning gardener and member of Alabama’s Garden Society, made gifting tussie-mussies her signature. Whenever friends visited, she welcomed them with small, heartfelt bouquets, her basket brimming with fragrant treasures.

In a world filled with grand floral displays—wedding centerpieces and party arrangements that leave us awestruck—it was the simple gesture of Sally’s tussie-mussie that truly touched my heart. As the old saying goes, “Flowers leave some of their fragrance in the hand that bestows them.” And thanks to Sally, I carry the sweetness of that tradition with me, a little nosegay of memories tied with a ribbon of friendship. ❖

About the Author: Hannah Dougherty Campbell, a spirited wordsmith with a heart as lush as her garden, hails from the suburbs of Philadelphia. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the resilience of the human spirit, Hannah found solace and creativity in crafting heartfelt poetry. With a background in teaching and a passion for nurturing creativity, she imparts her wisdom through her creative-writing classes, where she encourages others to explore the depths of their souls through the written word. Her cherished tradition of assigning flowers to personalities has blossomed into a family heirloom, enriching the lives of her loved ones and students alike. Through her work, she reminds us all of the delicate dance between nature and humanity, where every petal tells a story and every soul blooms in its own unique way.