Wednesday’s Flower Gallery

From the very tippy top… Of the bloom, the first floret popped open with five tiny, light purple petals and stamen of white. I was oblivious at first to this metamorphosis taking place on my desk as this singular stem stood in its vase. What caught my eye to the tiny blooms appearing, I cannot say, but as it continued it fully encompassed the full sphere. To witness nature is a true blessing.

Its chartreuse, waxy, button-like bud… Has a very small and tight-lipped façade, which doesn’t create much appeal. But with the prodding of a restful evening in the garden, a breakthrough occurs as daylight comes, and its petals decide to have a voice. Each one, with intention, slowly peels outward to display a coral wonder. What are you waiting for? It’s time to breakthrough!

It started at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris… Where I found this flower to photograph. It didn’t have a name posted, but it was bright and lovely, so how could I pass it up. I had a good feeling it was a type of begonia, so I connected with the United Kingdom Begonia Flower Society. My contact led me to the perfect person, Robert Bryce, as it was his brother who created this species and name...

A moment of calm… Softly falls over me as I gaze at the brilliant, royal blue petals that are encompassed by the soft chartreuse background. How is there so much beauty and grace in this one flower? For me it creates a feeling that all is right with the world at this very moment. I feel its peace flowing over and into me, and I can start my day on the right note.

Cotton candy…? Or maybe something you would find in a Dr. Seuss book, but not in my garden…though, it does grow in my garden and I find it most delightful! Very thin, soft and fuzzy strands of raspberry swirl around as if created by a master cotton candy maker. It’s definitely one of the most unusual flowers I have come across, and how I love seeing this perennial return every year. How m...

So many details to take note of… Starting in the middle with the bright, spiky stamen sitting on top of a sponge-like center. Each delicate petal wrapping itself around it, though leaving just enough opening to see through to the soft green backdrop. Focusing in I see the rich, dark magenta veins running through each petal. Each detail leading me to the next, but now I will rest my eyes on it a...

Buttons… For the most part I consider functional, though on occasion I’ve been known to purchase a sweater, shirt or dress because of its pretty or unique buttons. My favorite purchase is a grey, wool winter sweater that has four half-inch round, beveled buttons with rhinestones, and they sparkle in any kind of light. Another button I love may fit in a buttonhole, but it grows in my garden....

In its stillness it prepares... Like a dancer before her performance who takes the time to bow her head, pause, and focus inwardly for the strength and grace to perform her dance like no other dance she has performed until this moment; creating something more beautiful than she had ever hoped to create before. This flower prepares, just as thoughtfully, to create its dance in nature that is bey...

A green stem shoots up from the earth… It’s thin, but sturdy, and from this stem bright yellow petals effortlessly curve out and downwards. Added to those vibrant petals it looks, as if in the night, a skillful artist has come and hand-painted each one with a burnished orange, knowing exactly when to lift the brush to leave a soft, ragged edge. From this green stem comes the petals, and from ...

Need a little wonder… In your life? Plant a seed. A seed that fits in your hand. Water it. Nurture it. Be patient. Check on it. Hope for lots of sun. See it germinate. Wait a couple of weeks. Watch for the first bud. See it bloom…that’s how you add some wonder into your life.