Finally, after the longest, coldest winter I can remember,1 spring has arrived. And wildflowers are growing in some of the most inhospitable places imaginable.
Like the milkvetch above, improbably growing out a bunch of rocks. Or the bladderpod below, growing out of a single, lichen-covered rock.
The pink flowers — red-stemmed filaree, aka storksbill2 — are some of my favorites. There are years I don’t notice them at all, partly because they’re very small and grow close to the ground. However, this year they grew abundantly in my neighborhood. Better yet, these particular flowers were growing in a small, raised patch of dirt in front of a fence, about 3 feet off the ground, meaning that, for once, I didn’t have to get down on the ground to get the shots.
Alas, the neighborhood got cleaned up last week and these flowers were completely obliterated. They were probably considered “weeds” simply because they were growing wild. At least I got some pics while they lasted.
The longest, coldest winter in Albuquerque, anyway. I know our winter weather is so much better than in other places, but I reserve the right to whine anyway.
There’s a very good reason they’re called storksbill but it’s unfortunately not evident in this particular photo.
Thanks Lisa for capturing the amazing beauty of nature! We are so enjoying the color on the foothills trails right now.
The secret places where micro-wildflowers bloom are my favourite to seek out!
Gorgeous photos Lisa!
Thanks as always!