Cornish's choice of plants was influenced by their symbolic meanings, selecting five " Populus nigra " Italica " " ( Lombardy poplars ) to represent the five women of the Pioneer Women s Memorial Trust; " Quercus ilex " ( holly oak ) and " Myrtus communis " ( myrtle ) for protection and love; " Lonicera " ( honeysuckle ) for love, generosity and devotion; and " Syringa vulgaris " ( lilac ) to symbolize memory, protection, youth and tenderness.
