A lonesome stand of ironweed grew stealthily at the edge of the garden. I walked by it daily and never noticed it until today when I glimpsed a patch of purple out of the corner of my eye.
Stepping to the edge to get a better look, I could see the ironweed had just begun to bloom with grape-colored blossoms, but many of the nodes had not yet opened.
I actually didn't know the name of the plant until I Googled it. There are so many of Mother Natures gifts that I cannot name. A while back I'd stopped by the bookstore and bought a book on wild plants and trees of Alabama. I remembered that book this afternoon and pulled it from my shelf and put it by my computer for reference.
One of the things writing coaches recommend is to be more precise in your writing. That's easier said than done. I think knowing the names of some of the plants I write about would be a good start.
Stepping to the edge to get a better look, I could see the ironweed had just begun to bloom with grape-colored blossoms, but many of the nodes had not yet opened.
I actually didn't know the name of the plant until I Googled it. There are so many of Mother Natures gifts that I cannot name. A while back I'd stopped by the bookstore and bought a book on wild plants and trees of Alabama. I remembered that book this afternoon and pulled it from my shelf and put it by my computer for reference.
One of the things writing coaches recommend is to be more precise in your writing. That's easier said than done. I think knowing the names of some of the plants I write about would be a good start.
Very pretty, but can they make a nice crease?
ReplyDeleteI know a lot about paintings, but very little about plants. When I need to know something to add reality to a story I call up my gardening friends. I've noticed that gardeners are fairly chatty, and I like that.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I didn't know the name of that plant.
ReplyDeleteLots of them here in WV. Very pretty. My neighbor has quit mowing his backyard-on-a-hill, and ironweed abounds. I can't blame him;you could lose a toe mowing that thing!
ReplyDeleteThe wild flowers never cease to amaze me with their beauty and their color. There is something new each season it seems.
ReplyDeleteI am the most guilty of not knowing the names of the beauties I see in life. Folks do tell me the names, but I do not retain them. It has been bad, but I know as the aging process continues, it will not get better. LOL
ReplyDeleteBut it is a beautiful flower. I am not sure if Iron wood grew in Panama, but while in Cuba I was introduced to a tree, 'granadilla' (I do't think that is correct, but close to the name I remember). It was called Ironwood., hard as a rock. No pretty flowers though!
I admire those who can look at a plant or an animal and can name it right off the tops of their heads. I know a few of each but that vast knowledge is astounding.
ReplyDeleteI believe that plant is Martha--or Adelaide--I'm not quite sure!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe Vernonia.
DeleteI love to learn the names of plants that I've seen but have no idea what they are.
ReplyDeleteThis one is a beauty.
I had heard of Ironweed but never thought the plant would be so pretty. What a strong name for such a pretty plant
ReplyDeleteLovely flowers. Finding and using the book...good idea.
ReplyDelete