The high Sandias have gotten so much rain this summer that wildflowers of every kind are flourishing. I keep thinking, “It’s such a great year for … [fill in the blank].” There are at least three or four wildflowers which have completed that blank at one point or another.1
Last weekend I saw a flower I’ve never seen in the Sandias before (or in New Mexico, for that matter): death camas. It’s a small lily which is said to be quite poisonous to livestock.
My observation is that some of the most poisonous plants are also some of the most beautiful. Monkshood and foxglove come to mind as other gorgeous, yet poisonous, flowers.
Rock gardens aren’t only in New Mexico of course. There’s a spot in northern California where Nickel Creek cuts through the surrounding rock in its rush to the Pacific; its tiny canyon walls were lined with flowers when I was there in June.
In my mind, rock gardens shine a strong light on the creativity and tenacity of life. It seems that living things (including people) are hard-wired to endure, no matter the circumstances. We keep on keeping on, even when we think we can’t possibly go any further.
On another note…
Thanks to all of you who responded to my query about footnotes. The overwhelming consensus was positive. Full steam ahead!
The list includes fern leaf lousewort, giant hyssop, and mariposa lilies.
Justin Stone (the originator of Tai Chi Chih) described a flower growing out of a rock as a “manifestation of love.”