I remember years ago when I first started working in a garden centre, my boss at the time firmly instructed me “not to order any of that flax!” His rant was that it was a “junky plant,” and there will definitely be others who agree, I’m sure. But I love it. Yes, it reseeds itself freely…and lest you think my garden is a haven for aggressively spreading plants (I just did a post about alpine strawberries, after all!), I just yank them if they go astray. They’re easier than carrots to pull out. Plus, if you give them a haircut a couple of times a summer, you’ll likely coax another spell of blooms…and at the very least, keep a few seeds from forming. I can’t get enough of that stellar blue…and how the feathery stems move in a breeze.
If you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you know I’m a little bit obsessed with larch trees. (See my posts here and here…and here). This year, I missed the flowering of the larch trees that grow outside of the soccer field near our apartment, but I managed to capture these adorable fuzzy immature cones late last week.
More young cones, these ones on a very attractive pine tree that I cannot ID. (If anyone can assist, please give me a shout-out!). My hubby played in a lacrosse tournament this past weekend and during a walk near the arena while on a break, we came across a high school that had the most beautiful landscaping…there were even some large yucca near the front doors. These pine trees framed the south and east sides of the building.
A gorgeous Spiraea in the same schoolyard.
Lamium maculatum ‘Pink Pewter’, in my flowerbed. You’re definitely wondering now…what is it with me and these spreading plants? Well, this one is in a hot, dry, full sun location…it won’t go too far. I’m surprised it’s gotten as large as it has with all my neglect. Those leaves are stunning, aren’t they?
One of the not-so green greens I’m growing in my veggie plot in the community garden…this absolutely gorgeous one is ‘Red Frills’ mustard. I harvested a bunch of them as microgreens the other day – wow, what incredible flavour! They pack a punch, that’s for sure. Highly recommended.
While on a walk in Bowmont Natural Area in northwest Calgary last week, my hubby and I came across this mourning cloak butterfly posing on a fencepost. He’s looking a little rough around the edges…but that’s texture, too! 🙂
Photo #7 – R. Normandeau
What are your favourite textures and colours in the garden and in nature at the moment?
Flowery Prose. 