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. 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? Just up the hill, more pods open, their silky seeds seductively swaying, inviting me & my camera to play. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. What will you explore about yourself this winter?
I know I am not always what I seem. What about you?
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Evelyn R. Swett
reframing the narrative in community and with myself, finding transformation and joy in the mess of it all Let's ReFrame!
is a somewhat regular 'viewsletter' that hopefully inspires joy & transformation. It will include links to recent blog posts & updates about my work. Oh, and I promise I won't share your information (that would be so uncool) and I don't actually do promotions, but that text is required. Archives
March 2021
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