Hope

This certainly is a time when finding a reason for hope is a good thing.  Actually finding it in the image of Arbutus blossoms where the sweetly scented flower cups have been pulled away from the plant might bring my judgement into question.  The first time I was confronted with this mess, devastation was the emotion that presented itself.  Now I know that pollinating bumblebees pull the outer flower part away as they exit.  That part of the flower is no longer needed.  Seeds are almost guaranteed to form on these seemingly damaged flowers.  Just why huge insects are part of the pollination process of these rather tiny blossoms is a question without an obvious answer.

That this image greatly lifted our spirits requires explanation.  Last year this ground held an impressive planting of Bloodroot plants.  They experienced a fantastic season of growth with huge leaves and mature seeds.  Then the deer herd walked or danced across our shade garden.  Broken plants littered the ground and it appeared likely that deer hooves had pierced the corms.  Many days have passed with our daily inspections finding no sign of these special plants.  Then this single leaf, possibly wrapped around a flower bud, pushed itself above the soil.  More may follow but if this is the only plant that appears at least our Bloodroot is still alive.

Trilliums end their growth cycle soon after the trees open their leaves.  The deer's later visit might have pierced the corms and any sign of growth here was long in coming.  These leaves show signs of frost damage but appear to remain functional.  Circular wire cages now surround nearly all of these plants.  Our hope is that the congested area will prove unpleasant for the deer.

 Right now living in New York State is not ideal.  As a red-blooded American I bristle at the idea that the government gets to decide what is necessary for me.  That being said, I agree with the "Do no harm!" directive.  Before Covid-19 when only the winter cold kept me housebound, I ordered some native plants  intending to plant my treasures in the spring. Anyone reading this blog knows that our plant addiction is serious.  So we donned our masks and went to a place where we knew we could find the plants we wanted.  Everyone stayed outside in the fresh air and sunshine. We got the plants we needed and paid the money that was due.  Where is the harm in that? 


New York's travel ban has left us confused.  Despite instructions that I am to stay home, Greyhound buses still travel from the Port Authority in NYC to Syracuse.  The Binghamton mayor has asked that these buses not stop in his city and that request has been honored.  We have been limiting our car use to grocery shopping.  Liquor stores remain open under the State travel ban regulations but many plant nurseries remain closed.  Somehow thirty-one new plants have appeared here.  I do not consume alcohol but remain addicted to new plants.
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