Yep, the unusual dry spell we had in April and early May is officially over. It’s wet in Calgary – we’re sodden, really. On a positive note, it’s making the job of pulling quackgrass from the flowerbeds quite a bit easier…. 😉
There are still rays of sunshine in the gloom, however – and I’m not talking about these (although they are lovely to look at):
No – my favourite “yellow” at this time of year belongs to Thermopsis rhombifolia (buffalo beans, syn. golden peas, buffalo flowers, golden banner), which are everywhere in southern Alberta right now! They’re radiant and cheerful, and stand out like bolts of light against our moody grey skyline. Apparently the Blackfoot Indians once used dye made from their flowers to colour textiles, and they called the plant “buffalo beans” because the flowers appeared around the same time that the buffalo (bison) returned to their grazing grounds each year. Not sure if bison have the stomachs to eat the plants, however – there are reports that both cattle and humans have died from ingesting parts of the plant (in particular, the seed pods that appear in late summer).
Look, don’t munch.
Last year in a local garden centre, I came across a single T. lanceolata (syn. T. lupinoides?, lanceleaf thermopsis, false lupin, golden banner) and I couldn’t allow it to simply languish on the racks, so it came home with me. Winter seemed to hit it hard, but while tiny, it’s coming along. I believe it will take three years or so to reach maturity, so I will simply have to wait and see. I know that these guys will spread a little (you know…rhizomes) and while I have a fair bit of room to spare, I hope my plant doesn’t eventually turn into a monster. Are any of you growing Thermopsis and can offer your thoughts?
I hope you’re having a bright, cheerful weekend even if the weather isn’t ideal! What are your plans (gardening or otherwise)?
Photo #1 – R. Normandeau
Excerpt from Sunshine and Buffalo Beans.
And, because I know I’ve put that song in your head…click over here for a listen. 🙂
Related posts: Acres of Sunflowers (Portraits of Wildflowers)
Flowery Prose. 