not all peonies look the same

Now is the season of peonies here in the North. Though not native to Minnesota, they do quite well here, and long hedgerows of peony bushes are a common sight this time of year. There are 33 known species of peonies, and the flowers are quite varied. I personally lean toward the pale pink or white varieties myself, as you might suspect. but these Japanese peonies did make me stop my car, and “borrow” a few stems today.

peonies (Paeonia ‘Walter Mains’)

the fairest maiden of them all

With black stipes and bright green delicately cut leaves, it’s almost impossible not to love maidenhair ferns.  I didn’t have time this spring to enjoy my usual fern madness. With all the rain we have had, the ferns are bigger and healthier than I have ever seen them at this time of year. Typically, I like to capture the ferns before or while they are unfurling, but this year I will have to content myself with capturing them in their full ferny expression. It will be a good challenge for–one I have successfully avoided for 12 years. You can expect to see a lot of leafy fronds in the coming weeks ;-)

maidenhair ferns (Adiantum / A. pedatum)

radial symmetry

I hosted a four hours workshop in my home today, and am about to host my book group any minute. Yes, it’s a lot. One of those days where things just pile up. Luckily, one of my workshop participants brought a bag full of allium seed-heads from her garden, and then graciously left them behind for me. Boom. STILL photo made in the minutes between each event. Uh oh, I hear tires in gravel driveway just now…time for Book Group. Until tomorrow then…

allium seedheads

a symbol of the north

For me it’s summer, and no longer spring, when I start seeing lupine on the roadsides. The further north you go in Minnesota the more lupine you will find, and once you are on the north shore of Lake Superior, all of Hwy 61 will be filled on both sides with wild lupine. It’s one of every Minnesotan’s favorite sights, and favorite rights of passage from spring into high summer.

wild erennial lupine  (Lupinus perennis)

all in on alliums

Chives are the only species of Allium native to both the New and the Old Worlds. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and have been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Its English name, chives, derives from the French word cive, from cepa, the Latin word for onion. Anyone who has grown chives, knows they are a bit like growing mint…a little too enthusiastic in the garden.  How do you use up your chives? Give me ideas..my current repertoire is pretty limited to eggs and potatoes (mostly omelettes and new potatoes with sour cream and chives). I need more suggestions! Help.

chive blossoms (Allium schoenoprasum)