"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them." ~A.A. Milne
This is one of my all time favorite photographs taken in my own garden. I took the photo a few years ago in late, late summer and really love just everything about it, even though it's of a weed. How, oh how, could I love a weed growing in my garden? But I do...
- I love how it looks so crisp and white against the teal-blue sky.
- I love how the branches arch and curl and twist and bend.
- I love how the sun shines through and illuminates the plant.
- I love the fluffy white seed pods and how I can almost see them fluttering in the wind.
- I love how alive it feels.
I think it is beautiful.
I don't know the name of this plant. I didn't plant it and I don't even know if it's still growing here or not (I bet it is though!). By most definitions, this is a "weed".
When it comes to weeds, most gardeners tend to speak in negative terms. I know I certainly do from time to time. But, what is a weed?
According to Ralph Waldo Emmerson, a weed is "a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." I like that ... especially during this time of year when the weeds start to win the battle they've been in with gardeners all summer and bloom with abandon.
I think there is beauty in all plants and flowers if you just look at them, not as weeds, but for what they are.
ps. My print above is available for sale at www.CarylAlys.com
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September 26, 2013
Beautiful!!
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September 26, 2013
Thank you Julie!
September 27, 2013
Ah, a classic Caryl Alys photo! I loved then when I first saw it and I still do! Here there is a weed that grows and looks just like a succulent. It only grows when there has been little water. If you put it in a pot, you would swear it was a succulent, but it spreads like wild fire and grows almost you fast you can see it enlarge if you stare at it for hours on end. From one day to the next, its growth is staggering. I would MUCH rather have pretty weeds like this. So cool that you raised this one to the level of art. It should thank you!
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September 27, 2013
Thanks Myrtle! You should take/post some photos of your succulent weed ... I'd love to see it :-)