Garden in the Wild

  Down behind the shed in the far corner of the property...right near the marsh edge, there is one spot that I leave growing to wild abandon.  It is here that there are a number of wildflowers that seem to spring up with each season.  Some, like the violets, bloom in early spring and are close to the ground.  Others like daisies and wild phlox tower on lanky stems and blow around with the Bay breezes.  Then, there are the skullcaps. This plant has a great tendency to lean to one side and wind up mostly on the ground.  Perhaps if I fertilized it, the plant would grow a sturdier stem and stand erect but, since this "garden" is one of wildflowers that seed themselves, I do little other than enjoy it.  

  The skullcaps are blooming now and have been for the past two months.  Their purple blossoms do not stand up well to the noonday heat.  It causes them to drop before their maturity.  Hopefully, enough blooms matured to seed stage early in spring so that the plant can reseed for next year.  Each bloom is a velvety soft purple cap that contrasts nicely with the green stalks and leaves.  It blends well with the Stokes' Asters that can often be found blooming next to it along the creek beds.  It seems that both plants love having soggy roots!

  Although skullcap is used as a medicinal herb, I have yet to try any. Supposedly, it can be used as a pain reliever, nervine and sleeping aid.  I am not sure just which of the many types of Scutellaria this is.  Some day, I might just get the urge to try a bit as a tisane....maybe.  When I am not positive of an identification, I am a bit leery.  Sipping a cup of tea made from just any plant is not the brightest idea.  I shall wait until a sure identity is made before drinking a cup but is sure is fun to know that there are so many different plants out that that offer possibilities!