Minding My Milkweed, Mugwort & Monkshood

Common Milkweed Pods, 2020 Photo by ERSwett

Common
Milkweed is really
not so common. The pods,
like a bird's beak, or perhaps an
alligator's head, add texture
​to the early Fall
garden.

Bug Exploring Common Milkweed Seeds, 2020 Photo by ERSwett

Who
knew that all
kinds of bugs, in addition
to the well-known Monarch Butterfly,
appreciate the seeds. Is this one searching for
food, finding material for a nest, or
just playing in the lacy
​fibers?

Swamp Milkweed Seeds, 2020 Photo by ERSwett

Just
up the hill,
more pods open,
their silky seeds seductively
swaying, inviting me &
​my camera
to play.

Swamp Milkweed Setting Out, 2020 Photo by ERSwett

These
Swamp Milkweed,
planted for the first time this
year, reminded me of the Monkshood I
planted for the first time earlier this summer. Their deep
​purple flowers, shaped like the cowl of an
actual monk's hood, captivated
me, as they, too, danced in
​the late afternoon
​light.

Dancing Monkshood, 2020 Photo by ERSwett

You
can imagine
my surprise when
I learned that every part of
the Monkshood plant, also known as
Wolfsbane, is highly toxic - - & I had planted
it by our terrace, right next to where
we sit! Of course I quickly
moved it to a more
​remote spot.

Mugwort Blooms, 2020 Photo by ERSwett

It seems
I mistook Monkshood
for Mugwort, a totally different plant,
but one with an equally odd name beginning ​with
"M." Mugwort, which I had thought was a
weed, is actually a well-known
medicinal!

Mugwort Leaves, 2020 Photo by ERSwett

These
plants got me
thinking. I make so many
assumptions about plants & people.
Milkweed is quirky, but valuable for insects
and fiber artists; Mugwort might be considered a weed,
but it's capable of calming nerves; And Monkshood,
named for people who serve & protect 
is poisonous. 

Putting the Rain Garden 'To Bed,' Fall 2020 Photo by ERSwett

What is
a gal to do? Every
year, it seems, putting the
garden 'to bed' inspires reflection.
This season, for example, I experienced the
impact boundaries have on the flow of energy as well
as the value of plant placement
to ensure safety.

Energy & Edges, 2020 Photo by ERSwett

What's
next? I have a 
hunch I'll be digging
into the power of assumptions
not just in the garden but also in the rest
of my life. There are just so many
beautiful plants & people
​to behold.

Monkshood Flowers, 2020 Photo by ERSwett

What will you explore about yourself this winter?
I know I am not always what I seem.
​What about you?

Monkshood Detail, 2020 Photo by ERSwett