These coral-red gladioli were given to me by a friend a few days ago. They sit by my desk in a blossoming fever and encourage me, just like my favorite quote by Collette, to be willing to do foolish things and to make mistakes with relish and enthusiasm.
Mistakes measure our willingness to explore and experiment. They are a sure way to learn, and we should all aim to make some daily.
My friends, the monsterrific orchids, are back.
When I first bought them two years ago, the blossoms were not so huge. Last year, I got two different sprays of these beauties, with the largest flower at 10 inches in height. This year, one is 11 inches tall:
They remind me to be wildly expansive in my thinking, to let go, and to stretch beyond what I think is my full potential.
You may remember the wild flowers I showed just a few weeks ago. Be prepared for a shock:
This photo is from the very same patch along our driveway. It's simply packed with flowers. Right now there are mostly these pretty-in- (various shades of) pink flowers. This patch reminds me to take an idea and go further with it. They tell me to ask "What else could I add or change about this idea or situation?"
Here's a close-up. Does anyone know what they are? I could literally make about 30-50 big bouquets right now. If you live nearby and want some, let me know. Oh, and see that strange pod thing in the upper left corner?
Before it was a pod, it was a flower much like this one. It comes in an almost cornflower blue and in this white version. The foliage is feathery. At times the blossom almost resembles a passion flower. It's usually 1-2 inches in diameter. Anybody recognize it? I'm clueless.
This flower reminds me that sometimes an ugly pod becomes a beautiful flower and sometimes the pretty blossom turns into a pod. It goes both ways.
All this wildness and beauty makes me want to take chances and try new things. How about you? What inspires you to stop playing it safe?
4 comments:
That flower looks like a dianthus or sweet william?!? google it and let us know if thats it. Sure is pretty!
I don't know what that last one is. And I have never seen such an orchid! I've been thinking lately that I'd like to try [again] to have an/some orchid(s)! About twice before I haven't been able to keep them alive. :(
I think the last flower is nigella or someimes called love in a mist...the pink ones not so sure...i wish i had a patch like that next to my drive way....
Shellie, you are absolutely right! It is Nigella. Thanks so much for identifying it!
Debi, the pink flower could be Dianthus, but I'm not sure. It seems that there are dozens and dozens of Dianthus varieties. I'll try to find one like it. or contact the Dianthus Society. If anyone knows for sure, let me know.
Does anyone know this variety of orchid that gets so big?
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