reaching for the sun

this is the time of year when my i surrender my one-person war against the advancing profusion of virginia creeper. it’s voracious and indiscriminate reach outpaces my ability to protect my precious ferns and wildflowers. as mad as i get, i still have to admit that these relentless vine tips are quite lovely in their delicate curves and new-growth coloration. and in a few more months i will enjoy the carpet of red leaves.  it may be a hostile take-over, bat at least the new owner isn’t all bad.*

virginia creeper vine tips (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

* in my former life as a corporate aerospace research scientist, i lived through a hostile take-over. it was touted as a merger, but it was in fact an unwelcome buy-out. and the new parent company was even worse than virginia creeper (think kudzu). so i have a little experience with take-overs. and sometimes, the best option is to admit defeat and move on.