Tricyrtis Discovery

I had challenged one of our young grandchildren to see what could be found in our autum garden. Kneeling alongside the path, the assortment of leaves was parted, and  close to the ground our eyes peered at the place I thought something special could be seen . . . at least, I hoped it was still be there.
 

It was found and 

I heard a quiet declaration—
"this is the most beautiful
flower I have ever seen!”

My grandchild uncovered the diminutive, orchid-like blooms of the Toad Lily (Tricyrtis sp.). The flowers are exotic and intricate. White with violet spotted petals. Asked if the other flower buds would open soon, I replied

"Honestly
I don’t know.”

Much older now — my grandchild left a month ago for a first trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
 

My secret wish for you was that you would find the BWCA

‘the most beautiful place you have ever seen.’

That you watch long-hidden stars being freed to shine.

See points of light dancing on the smooth, night water

before you turn in for a well-deserved night’s rest.

Wonder how the rock upon which you are sitting

came to be so smooth.

“this is the most beautiful flower

I have ever seen.”

Sometimes a person simply has to be patient,

be open to looking, and

to pay attention to little things.

      Clem     

Twinflower is Linnaea borealis

(the only plant that Linnaeus

named after himself.

It was his favorite flower.)



















Toad Lily Tricyrtis sp.
Twinflower Linnaea borealis
(the only plant that Linnaeus
named after himself. It was his
favorite flower.)

Maybe my grandchild will find Twinflowers in full bloom and declare again, to no one in particular,