Sunday, May 22, 2011

Unexpected Surprise

Wildflower:  a flower that grows without deliberate
care or cultivation.


IMG_5650

I have shared several times about the wonderful place I have to walk close to my home. It is a well maintained walking path,
a half mile long and well used.
There is a pasture next to the path that has these beautiful wild blackeyed Susans blooming now. 

IMG_5627

On this particular day, I noticed a small path through the trees farther along and caught a glimpse of bright orange!

Of course, that was as good as a Red flag to me so
 I grabbed my camera on the next lap and struck out on
 this little path to get a closer look.

IMG_5634
I found this little patch of Butterfly weed (also known as chigger weed!) blooming in a small field that I think is a cut through for the  power lines.  I am still practicing with my camera and the color is a little saturated, but the blooms were so bright and pretty.

IMG_5652

Not only did I find Butterfly weed, but several varieties of Coneflower and Rudbeckia along with the sweetest little pink flowers and some purple as well.

IMG_5637
 

IMG_5642 
 Aren’t these the happiest colors? I felt like I had found a
 “secret wildflower garden”.

IMG_5645


IMG_5646

As I wandered around, enjoying the beauty of God’s planting, I couldn’t help wonder if I were picking up any of those “chiggers” or "redbugs" as they are called in Louisiana. 
 Thankfully, I didn’t bring any home with me!


IMG_5649

Hopefully, no chemicals will ever be used to control
the grass in this little wildflower garden and we can continue to enjoy this secret place.

Just don’t tell anyone it is there, ok?


IMG_5630


I came across this poem and thought it reflected my feelings as well.

God, make my life a little flower,
That giveth joy to all;
Content to bloom in native bower,
Although it's place be small.
                                  Matilda B. Edward

Hopefully, I can give a little joy to someone this week in return for the joy I received from discovering this "wildflower garden".


5 comments:

Jenni said...

Thanks for spreading the joy and sharing your secret garden.....

So beautiful! what colors! Only God could create such beauty.....

It reminds me of the Scripture that tells us to "Consider the lilies of the field" and how that even Solomon in all his splendor was not arrayed like them.... I need to go look that up!!

Texas hugs to a Louisiana friend!
jenni

Jenni said...

Oh and the thought of chiggers made me itch!
LOL!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

What a beautiful post and with such beautiful photos! Loved each one of them. I really love the black-eyed Susans, they seem like a happy flower to me and make me smile. I planted one last year and it's coming along nicely, but not blooming yet. Hope you didn't pick up any chiggers! I remember getting those a lot when I was a kid. Thanks for sharing your walk with us!

Southern Lady said...

Oh, what wonderful lagniappe, Carolyn! Thank you for bringing a little sunshine my way on this cloudy Monday morning.

And thank you, too, for your sweet notes, and for remembering me and my family in your prayers. So many prayers have been answered and I sincerely appreciate yours.

S. Etole said...

What a delightful array of wildflowers.