The San Francisco Chronicle had an interesting article about the
meaning of flowers that are used by Shakespeare among the most
interesting pieces are: William Shakespeare mentioned more than
200 species of plants in his plays. Twenty-nine scenes take
place in groomed gardens and well-tended orchards. Plants, and
plant lore, were important sources of metaphors for Shakespeare.
Often, as in Ophelia's "garland speech," plants served as
extended metaphors for the human condition. Here's what the
plants in Ophelia's garland would have signified for an
Elizabethan audience: Any man who couldn't smell the fragrant
shrub was considered incapable of loving a woman. Rosemary in
front of an English cottage indicated that the woman was head of
the household, a folk belief that caused more than a few
uprooted plants. Its special qualities also included the ability
to repel plagues and certain types of witches. Sleeping with a
sprig beneath your pillow chased away bad dreams. But for
Ophelia, distraught and depressed over