Columbines

My Morning Walk

| Flower Roberts

I told my family I was going down to check on my plants downstairs and in the bunny yard. Mr. Flower said, “Take a stick.” Now how am I supposed to get anything done with a stick?

My walking stick

I chose a shovel instead. I am so relieved that my treasures survived last year’s neglect. I will post my best photos with names below.

Pink Columbine
White Columbine and bracken fern
Little Much bearded iris
Ground Orchid
Flame azalea Gibralter
Spanish bluebells

The big news is I made it halfway down the hill to my favorite spot. Here the wind turns up the hill and has a lift to it. I have spent a lot of time under these oaks sitting on this hill watching the water. I used to haul my heavy bookbag down here and grade papers on Saturdays. I sit on this bench to pray or cry or talk to the sky.

My favorite spot

I needed to be down here today. So much is changing in my life and family. I feel a bit unmoored. It is soothing to sit where I have always sat these 35+ years to mull over the next part of my journey.

Lily of the Valley

I am thankful to my hip and shovel for making this nostalgic little trip possible. Now, if I can just get back up to the house!

FLOW on the move

Dainty Columbines

| Flower Roberts

These gorgeous plants move and mix to supply surprises each spring. Their tiny, black seeds drop as the pods dry.

I have purchased many varieties over the years. The separated ones stay true to color, but the grouped varieties make new color combinations. This habit provides amazing new hues.

The white beside the lower pond has stayed white for years. This looks lovely beside the variegated Solomon’s Seal.

Most of mine are variations of pink and purples. I do have a late bloomer, double, ‘Ruby Port’, that I have kept in isolation. I will share it when it blooms.

I may have lost my tiny favorite , ‘Little Lantern’, which had gorgeous red blooms. I hope it will return.

With Columbines, one never is sure which colors will appear in the spring. That is part of the fun.

FLOW