swag
June 29, 2017
 Close-ups of a Few Flowers to Appreciate

For six weeks after my hip replacement operation, I was confined mostly to be in our home. So I do  not have many flowers, but I hope you enjoy the ones below. I do.

The most recent photo is of Heliopsis helianthoides, often known by its first scientific name or "false sunflower" or "ox-eye daisy." This perennial, depending upon the variety, can grow from 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) tall. Ours has not quite reached a height of three feet, but it is a rugged plant emerging each spring and blooming most of the summer. Horticulture magazine gives more information.

yellow Helliopsis flowers

Heliopsis (or False Sunflower) Blooms Next to Our Deck (22-Apr-17; © Richard L. Bowman)

If I remember correctly, even thought it occurred 29 years ago, I gave Elsie a potted Azalea for our first Mother's Day in our new house. I then transplanted the bush outside. It took root and has become a sturdy part of the landscape in our front yard ever since.

flowers opening on our azalea bush

Azalea Buds and Blooms in April (28-Apr-17; © Richard L. Bowman)

Buttercups in our lawn provide a nice flowers to view. However, apparently they can be toxic for livestock and are considered one of the “Deadly 7” toxic weeds in the Pacific Northwest of the US.

buttercup flower

Close-up of a Buttercup Bloom (28-Apr-17; © Richard L. Bowman)

In late spring we can always find somewhere close by where there are tulips blooming. Here are two from those we planted out near our mailbox. 

yellow tulips

Looking Deep into a Tulip Flower (11-Apr-17; © Richard L. Bowman)

At the same time as the Tulips were blooming, there were still several wildflowers (weeds) in bloom with the small flowers I have come to enjoy. Both blooms are a half-inch or smaller (just over one centimeter).

persian speedwell flower

Blue Persian Speedwell Flower (5-Apr-17; © Richard L. Bowman)

chickweed flower

White Chickweed Blooms (29-Mar-17; © Richard L. Bowman)

Since I have been cleared this week to now put full weight on my left leg, I am eager to get around and see even more beautiful flowers--small and big. Join me!

--©2014-17, Richard L. Bowman

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