About sixty days ago our Jack-In-The Pulpits opened flowers. That was no small feat. Our harsh and repeated freezes and frosts somehow spared these plants. They timed their above ground growth appearance really well. We were rather surprised to see them at all since the frolicking deer had last year broken off all of the visible plant parts. Mature plants and young made an impressive but unexpected return this year.
Today three seed clusters looked vibrant in the low sun. Once again their presence was a surprise since the deer damaged the plants once again. The dried remains of a broken plant are supported by a stone in the background. If the deer allow these seed clusters to continue to grow, the bright green seeds will turn a brilliant red.
We also have these plants growing in the shade garden near the house. Our crop of fawns enjoyed a romp there that included pulling the plants out of the ground and chewing on the bulbs. Some semblance of order was restored so now we wait to see if any of these plants will return next year. If mature seeds appear, one of the clusters will be timely cut and placed where their grandparents grew. These plants grow naturally in our woods so we have access to planting stock if it is needed.
How this picture came to be taken so close to the ground deserves mention. Bending over while trying to focus a camera would most certainly have resulted in a fall. With other plants close by a wide safe path in did not exist. A nearby somewhat flat stone was selected to serve as a seat. Most of the move down was controlled but the last bit was a free fall. I told Becky that she might have to bring me my lunch. That proved unnecessary as a return to a standing position was achieved. My move up was totally awkward bur unassisted. No plants were crushed and no bruises formed. Clearly my judgement was less than solid but the picture that resulted is simply great.
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