Quaker Lady Bluets | 04.04.23
I scattered some wildflower seeds
in the yard
a few weeks ago...
handfuls of seeds
from large bags labeled
garden blend and mixed Zinnias.
I watched my hands
release the seeds
and watched the breeze as it
caught those seeds
and sent them gently to the
ground.
I remembered the
riotous colors
that sprang up last year
after I'd scattered and watered and hoped
for what that little garden patch might become...
which it did.
A few months later
I had watched in delight
as the hummingbirds came,
and the Goldfinches and Sparrows,
and various butterflies
and dragonflies
and whatever else found welcome.
And so,
a few weeks ago,
I scattered the seeds again.
Now I wait with hope
for what will come forth
from the ground.
But then.
This:
A few days ago
I walked in the clearing of a forest
and there before me
were blankets of Quaker Lady Bluets.
Their seeds hadn't been planted in hope
by one such as myself.
Rather,
their seeds had been dropped
and
scattered
and caught in the breeze
through the turning of seasons,
year-upon-year,
just as it had been designed.
These flowers. They weren't just wildflowers
but blankets of flowers growing wildly.
Oh --
and there were
many-upon-many
Dandelions.
Dandelions,
where flitting among them
were Goldfinches
feasting upon their banquet,
and Sparrows joining in.
This
garden in nature
was far more beautiful than
the one I hope to have in my yard
this year.
But I will continue
to scatter
and water
and hope
and watch,
anticipating the birds and butterflies
and whatever else comes
and finds welcome.
. . .
This photograph was taken in the Nantahala National Forest at Standing Indian State Park.
It is located outside of Franklin, North Carolina, in the southeastern part of the USA. It is 95 miles from our home.
Each Saturday morning I send a short email called A Closer Look. It is simply one of my nature photos and a short bit of original writing. It's a quiet way to start the weekend and be encouraged to see the beauty in nature that is all around but that we often overlook. If you would like to receive it, please click here: https://www.wren-photos.com/contact.
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