Kitten toes is what they look like. That's how lupin ends. Individual pussy digits complete with a gentle hook on the tip. That's where the similarity stops, I believe. Real cats do not have gentle claws. They are real.
The top of the stalk is still full-flowered and vibrant. This pretty must have been planted by Mother Nature herself, or perhaps a passing bird dropped something that planned to glory in this location.
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| Spike of a maturing flower--beginning of a cat claw |
My father-in-law, Merlyn, had a whole row of different lupins--all different colors--one of his favorites. They are a fascinating flower with all their complex development.
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| Colors grow more intense with time |
Shaped like brilliant fortune cookies, these individual flowers have called me from the Things I get to do today to take special note.
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| Full spectrum of tight, baby green to vibrant, mature purples |
Lupins come from the pea family, and the little beans in the pods are actually edible. In some countries with colder climates, a type of Lupin tofu is made, since soy beans don't grow well in the cold. But that is way more than any of us wanted to know about this gorgeous flower. Merlyn was not a fan of tofu.
I had no idea of the kitty toes. I'll keep an eye on ours. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteNature is just full of these surprises, ya know!? Spending a little time with a plant can reward for a lifetime. But then you already know that anything you are present with will bless you a bunch!
DeleteI've never seen lupins before. What a beautiful color and texture! Thanks for sharing these images.
ReplyDeleteThey grow wild and blue/purple in the mountains here in the West. Cultivated lupin come in just about every color combination in the flower parts. No bright reds, but wine, yellow, pink, purples, blues.
DeletePlarking! absolutely love it...right up there with Wallying around! And having a FIL called Merlyn? Are you for real?
ReplyDeleteOh, Dahling, you make my heart sing. FIL: middle name is Merlyn. First name Arthur. He would understand plarking, walling and beauty in everythin--as we create our own space of love. Found you through Cro.
DeleteI did write "beauty in everything" then dashed about a bit there and lost a "g." No harm done I'm sure. The modern major model would say "thin" is always beautiful
DeleteYour Lupins are gorgeous! I tried them one year and the aphids really got to them for some reason. They didn't make it the following year. Your flowers are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteHere's the secret. Don't try them. Just let them try you. Or in other words let some of your weeds grow, then discover what wonderful flowers they turn out to be. That's how this one started. Aphids, oh yes! I just hack the whole top off in disgust and tell the plant to try again next year. Also powdery mildew sets in later in the season. Again, I just cut off the top of the plant and wish it luck.
DeleteAnd, thanks, Donna, for stopping by. Good to see you. I enjoy your creations of joy and beauty at your blog! Blessings for your day.
DeleteI always learn when I come to your site. The Lupin is new to me and very beautifully described by you, Andy.
ReplyDeleteAnd I learn from you as well, Kat. Oregon and Alabama have a lot to teach each other. Keep up the good work.
DeleteI have enjoyed your blog for many months now, and several times intended to reply--the lupines have finally moved me to action. Do you know the children's book, "Miss Rumphius," by Barbara Cooney? Miss Rumphius found her calling scattering lupine seeds over the countryside, spreading their beauty. She fulfilled one of her life's goals--making the world more beautiful. I hope you know your blog also spreads beauty, awe, wonder, and a deep appreciation of life. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA-a-ah, Dearest Anonymous, your sweet and lovely works make my heart flutter. I've not read "Miss Rumphius," but it just became my favorite book. I'm going to order it tonight immediately after I finish this note to you. If this fun, joyous, blessed time I'm privileged to spend writing warms even one heart, it is more than I could hope for. Thank you, thank you. You're an Angel!
ReplyDeletePlease write again soon. Feel free to sign your name in the note itself.
"sweet and lovely words" is what my head thought my fingers typed. Obviously you do sweet and lovely things because it says "works". Thank you again.
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