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In the long ago days of my youth, like many of my generation, I was an idealist.
Growing up in the aftermath of two devastating world wars, I believed that mankind had surely, finally learned the error of its ways and would find a better way forward.
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Our survival as a species depends on it.
Mankind has not learned, has only found more ways to destroy itself.
It is hard to be positive, living under a government that appalls me daily with new vicious acts.
Rolling back environmental protections.
Arresting and deporting immigrants to, of all places, South Sudan.
And so on.
Savages. Our government is made up of savages.
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Instead of going on pointlessly about that, let me share some photos from the natural world.
Cinquefoil.
It grows happily with no encouragement.
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Pretty and delicate Japanese Astilbe.
A plant we purchased years ago that has endured.
Endurance is necessary to survive in my garden!
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Milkweed is hardy and propagates, but this year’s growth has been devoured by – I don’t know what.
One or two plants persevere but look likely to fail.
This plant produced buds despite adversity.
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Fortunately there is a healthy crop in the lower field to support any Monarchs that turn up.
Grant spotted this one two days ago.
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Butterflies are precious.
How wonderful it must be to curate a butterfly house, though I don’t imagine it is easy.
This, I believe, is Common Elder.
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While I am a useless gardener, I do appreciate plants and make my contribution by supporting the Arbor Foundation.
Soon after we came here my donation was rewarded with the gift of hazelnut seedlings. They were sad little specimens that mostly did not live but one survived and recently thrived, growing so big we had to transplant it to give it more space.
We worried that the move might shock the tree, so were much relieved to see new growth this year.
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Grant dug a hole for it at the end of last Fall in his abandoned vegetable plot where it now resides with an assortment of uninvited other plants.
Including Common Penny-Cress.
A brassica, otherwise known as Stinkweed.
Not suitable for human consumption but it is apparently being researched as a possible source of jet fuel and biodiesel production.
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Common Motherworth, according to Wikipedia:
“Stachydrine is extracted from the leaves of Motherwort and has demonstrated various bioactivities for the treatment of fibrosis, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, uterine diseases, brain injuries, and inflammation.”
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Last year’s vegetable plot failed because deer came upon it, so in the Spring Grant built an enclosure out of old pallets.
Then he still had to battle weeds and rodents.
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Such as groundhogs and rabbits.
You’d think we offered enough alternatives!
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In the corner of another bed, Rocky Mountain Sage caught my attention.
The flowers are so tiny I almost didn’t notice and it barely seems worth mentioning but I like the shape of the sepals.
Please correct me if those are not called sepals!
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Fleabane.
A prolific type of daisy.
The flowers are tiny.
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Tickseed, otherwise known as Coreopsis.
(No, spellcheck, not osteoporosis!)
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Lilies.
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Of various kinds.
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Gypsophila or Baby’s-breath.
It seems to me that it used to accompany a bouquet of flowers and the sort we have in our fields is far too frail, but perhaps there are other varieties.
The flowers are very delicate.
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Among the wildflowers:
Bladder Campion is tangled up with Bedstraw and Blackberry.
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One morning I happened to glance up as I passed beneath a tree and admired the exquisite simplicity of the leaves.
American Elm.
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A tiny spider crept into the frame.
My small world is imperfect but at least it is natural.
A lovely selectioin of natural flora today, Carolyn. As for the vegetable patch, I feel sure the little animals will still find ways through to the crops.
Best wishes, Pete.
A wonderful selection of cultivated beauties and those less cultivated!
Thank you, Carolyn, for the beaty of nature, and your wonderful flowers! I think, all your photography, including one with a spider are perfect beyond words! I love your trees, so skillfully planted. And the beautiful butterfly!
Joanna
It’s wonderful that you find so much beauty in your garden to show us – I love the lilies (but also every other little flower). Yes, your world of natural beauty is much better to look at than any news report out there at the moment!
You’re a wonderful gardener – the photos are lovely!
It’s hard to grow organic as here in Brisbane, if it’s not pests, it’s fungal issues due to the crazy amount of rain we’ve had this year…but I’m persisting.