There are so many reasons that I loved this photograph when I took it, and why I want to share it with you for the Flower a Day today. I have learned so much from this project, from the blatantly obvious (names of flowers and where I am likely to find them, what they look like at various stages etc.) to the not so obvious. For example I have learned to open my eyes and look closely at plants that I thought I knew well. Here is a prime example, in the seed pods of a very familiar plant, the peony right outside my kitchen door. I had never seen the seed pods before! So with newly opened eyes I saw this wonderful open pod filled with seeds. It reminded me of a jester’s cap with the tassels on the ends. And then there is the little spider and the webs woven around the stems and leaves as well as the lovely texture in the base of what was the flower, just under the jester’s cap. So I hope you don’t mind that this is not in bloom now, but appreciate as much as I did seeing this stage of one of my favourite flowers. Enjoy the unexpected today my friends! This might be just one of many.
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As a woman of a certain age, whose bloom is ‘off the rose’, so to speak, I’m heartened to see that you have noticed this peony at a similar stage in its life. The beauty is still there, more subtle for sure, and changed in outlook, but the plant bears witness to what once was and contains the promise of what is to come. I don’t see this as unexpected but as a natural evolution in the stage of life, one that the spider truly appreciates too. Thank you, Ellie.
The bloom never leaves the rose of the heart, Janet! And as you say, we see this depicted so well in the intricacy and interest here for the viewer who has only to look for it. And the promise is there, as you say. Yes, the spider was clearly enjoying the whole progression. Thank you for your comment.
Thanks so much Ellie for sharing that. It is amazing the different things you find out and see. With the open seed pod reminds me of a pomegranate with all those little tiny red seeds in there. Probably not quite as sweet but certainly looks lovely.
Thanks Linda. Yes, lots to learn and see. I didn’t try them…. But you are right, they do look like pomegranate seeds! Have a great day.