Thursday, July 9, 2009

Parsley, Sage, Loosestrife & Time

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This whiny blogger escaped from the farm for a couple hours yesterday afternoon, on an errand to pick up twine and netwrap in preparation for the next round of baling, whenever the weather cooperates enough for that. Yesterday was not a good day for taking scenery photos; skies were overcast and haze filled the air.

On the way home, I found these flowers waiting right along my own gravel road. The pictures aren’t great, because the blossosm were swaying in the breeze, but hopefully you get the general idea. These first two photos show a member of the Parsley family, Wild Carrot, otherwise known by the lovely, stately name of Queen Anne’s Lace. I had never before seen an unopened bloom that was pink, as shown above. Usually, they are white, as shown in the next shot.

July8th021 Did you know that Queen Anne’s Lace flowers have a dark red blossom in the center? You probably did know that…..I didn’t notice it until a couple of years ago, though. That goes to show how unobservant I was for most of my life.

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There was also a large patch of White Sage along the road. Mugwort is another name for this plant, which was used ceremonially and medicinally by the Native Americans, and as incense by the early white settlers. I picked a few sprigs to bring home and put under my pillow……white sage reportedly may induce prophetic dreams. Might as well give it a try, though its probably better not to know what the future holds…..

July8th003 The yellow flower in the foreground of the above photo is Fringed Loosestrife, with a close-up of it shown next. These flowers tend to face downward, so I sat on the ground to sneak a shot of the bashful blossom. I can sympathize…..I shudder to see my face in pictures, too, for its looking more and more like my mother’s and grandmother’s……YIKES!

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Remember Scarborough Fair? "Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme"......and all that?

Have a wonderful day!

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6 comments:

Country Girl said...

Wonderful, upbeat post with lots of cool information on plants! Yes, I knew about Queen Anne's lace having that dark little center. And my face is also looking like my mother's at times.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Glad you got out and about! Wonderful photos, Jeannelle. Love that pink Queen Anne's Lace. Never saw such before.

Gigi Ann said...

When I was a youngster (many moons ago) I use to put food coloring in water and pick Queen Anne's lace and put it in the colored water and the flowers would turn whatever color the water was. I thought it was really cool to see a Blue Queen Anne's Lace or purple...as you can see it doesn't take much to entertain me, then or now!!

Deb said...

My mom did the same thing with us. Food coloring and Queen Anne's lace. Sweet memories. Thanks for the jolt!

Leenie said...

NICE PHOTOS! Glad you took the time to share the flowers. They were definately ready for their closeups. And you are not afraid to try an odd angle to get them.

Gail said...

Great pictures, for those of us who cannot explore the beauty, keep 'em coming.