Wildflower Walks

   Not being able to get out and push the mower has its perks aside from the obvious...letting someone else do the work.  A newfound love of wildflowers has occurred.  Yep, let that well manicured lawn go and let the wildflowers flourish!  Sure...most folks call them weeds but, as it currently is, they are wildflowers and I am happy with them.  

  Moseying down by the marsh edge in the early morning gives me the opportunity to view some of the blooms that will close during the heat of the day.  Both the spiderwort and evening primroses are long faded by the time most folks are even out of bed.  Only early risers can witness the beauty of such blooms!  Down next to the pier, there is one patch of  "seabeach" evening primrose that blooms regardless of the weather and any time of the year.  The one exception is they do not bloom during the heat of the day.  The plant prefers the cool, dampness of the night.  Let that sun rise high in the sky and the blooms tightly close.  I don't blame them.  I have the same preference.  I figure that my wildflower walks are the best way to greet the day.

Southern Sundrops

   I have a strong interest in night-blooming plants.  Perhaps this is because I prefer nighttime over the daylight hours or maybe it is because I find it curious that there are so many lovely flowers that very few people ever see.  Not many folks go traipsing about marshes, swamps and woods by the light of the moon.  In the gardens, there are the usual night-bloomers that are cultivated to become showpieces but, out in the wild, there are those that are equally as lovely.  It just so happens that, since I leave the place sort of "wild and woolly", wildflowers often make their way into the gardens.  I noticed a rather weedy looking plant growing next to the gatepost a couple of weeks back and was curious as to what it was.  It had sprouted up right next to a couple of wild Goldenrod that were allowed to stay so why not let this plant have a chance to prove itself, as well?  

  Since my days begin long before daylight, the first blooms on the "invader" were noticed as I headed to the pier.  A mental note was made to photograph the blooms on my way back to the Little Bayou House after fishing.  That did not happen as the blooms were withered by the sunlight.  I would have to try again.  Then, along came (wannabe) Hurricane Sally and the plant was forgotten for a few days.  This morning as I went to check on how the boat was fairing with the storm, the blooms were gorgeous!  Even with the occasional gusty winds, the plant stood strong and proud!  Yellow blooms were waving in the breezes and dripping with raindrops but I got my photos!  

  The Evening Primrose is a native plant that pops up anywhere that birds drop the seeds.  The bright yellow blooms open quickly at dusk and will wither equally as fast just after dawn.  The nectar is a food source for many moths and the seed capsules are sought by birds.  For humans the greatest use is as Evening Primrose Oil which is being studied as a possible healing aid for some conditions such as arthritis...(that would be nice!).  

  For now, the plant is welcome to stay where it is.  Eventually, it will be moved to a more convenient place as it sort of blocks the gateway.  Having useful and beautiful plants is what gardening is all about and to have another night-bloomer is an added plus.  

After Dark...

I went out last evening to take Sunny, the pup, out for a late walk to her "spot" when I suddenly encountered a very pleasant scent.  I must admit that this was quite unusual considering the duty that was being performed by the dog.  I knew that somewhere another flower was in bloom but when I was making my rounds earlier, nothing had caught my eye.  After the pup was ready to head back indoors, I meandered a bit.  With the small flashlight (which was dying a slow death from dead batteries!), I searched the area.  I was surprised to see that the flowers were literally right beneath my feet! Before dark, I had seen a patch of weeds and had thought that I really needed to cut the grass.  Those weeds were in full bloom this evening!  A profusion of yellow blossoms were adorning those weeds! I looked closer at one of the blooms and took notice of the cross shaped stamen..ahhh..this was a type of Primrose and by the night-blooming characteristic.. one of the several Evening Primroses!

Evening Primroses are considered to have a broad range of medicinal uses by herbalists.  They are valued in treating everything from headaches to baldness!  Some folks even tout that the herb can induce labor in pregnant women and cure laziness in those prone to such inactivity!  The plant will grow readily in any sandy soil without any care and will bloom most of the summer. It is a happy, little yellow blossom that will darken to a rosy red with age.  Known to reseed themselves, it is better to let them grow where they may as attempting to transplant them is usually met with poor results.  The seeds can be collected and sown in the garden but if too much fertilizer or water is applied, the plants will not flourish.  Weed?  Flower?  Herb?  I suppose this all depends on who you are asking.  For me?....I say "All three!"

 

Finding an Evening Primrose is not at all uncommon to anyone that traipses around after dusk but unless you are out after dark, you will never see them in their full glory!  By morning, most of the blossoms will have closed and some will appear wilted and sickly.  By night, however, they are glorious!  Maybe I am just looking for a reason not to mow the yard but for some reason, it will be hard for me to cut these!  They are wildflowers!  Wild, free and not contained in some garden boundaries!  Plus..they brought a smile to my face.  After a bit of reveling in the aroma of the blooms, I realized that Sunny had started to graze upon my Primroses!  This pup will eat anything!  It was back to the house for us! Good night, Primroses!