The National Garden Bureau has declared 2016 the Year of the Delphinium.

Some odd facts and factoids about this lovely perennial:

-- The name Delphinium is from the Latin for "dolphin." Some long-ago botanist thought the flower's nectar-producing structure resembled a dolphin's nose.

-- The hardy Delphinium shares the common name "larkspur" with annual Consolida.

-- Delphinium flowers were once believed to protect against scorpions.

-- In the language of flowers, Delphinium conveyed "infinite possibilities" and hope.

-- All species are toxic. Please, please, don't eat the larkspur!