Didn't everyone's Grandma and Great Grandma have Forget-Me-Nots growing in the corner of a moist, shady garden? Perhaps they grew the Tufted Forget-Me-Not, which is very adaptable to garden soils.
The species featured on this page is the True Forget-Me-Not. The wild one.
I found them in cold, clear water. A barely flowing streamlet, with no defining edges. It began as several springs seeping from a nearby slope (above the "Springhouse"*). Then the springs merged into a slow, meandering waterway; mostly invisible under the dense growth of plants. This streamlet was laden with Water Cress, Sedges, Cattails, and, lest I forget, these tiny blue beauties.
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| (Click on any photo to enlarge) |
With my knee boots on, I eased into the deep mat of aquatic vegetation. A heavy dew had settled on all the plants overnight, and these flowers still held tiny beads of moisture.
A slender, weak perennial.
Erect at first,
partially reclining later.
Sprawling upon
Water Cress,
leaning on Sedges.
Sky blue flowers
with yellow center.
Growing on small, curving,
divergent branches.
Uncoiling
as flowers bloom.
Flowers: 1/4" (6mm) wide, corolla 5-lobed
Flowering: May - September
Leaves: 1-2" long, oblong, blunt, hairy, mostly stalkless
Height: 6-24"
Habitat: streamsides, wet places; prefer cold, clear water
Other:
- Introduced from Europe and once extensively cultivated.
- It is now naturalized around streams, lakes and ponds.
- In bud, the tightly coiled flower cluster resembles the tail of a scorpion, hence the species name (scorpioides).
How did you like it?
Your Grandma loved it!
If you are blessed
with children,
or blessed
with grandchildren...
Please remember
to show them,
(or to grow them)
the Forget-Me-Not,
so they will...
Forget-You-Not.
True Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpioides)
Photo Location:
Wabasis Lake, (Wabasis Lake Park) Kent County Parks, Michigan
* "Springhouse" - On the lower level, 100 yards west of boat launch.
A great place for your kids to play in the cold, shallow water.
Yes my grandma had them in her garden and I have them in mine too. I'm not so sure what my lineage is but we have them growing along the streams here aswell. Forgetmenots with refreshing dew is a beautiful combination Richard in your photos.
ReplyDeleteRosie:
ReplyDeleteI've seen so many fine views of your exquisite gardens. Thank you for Leavesnbloom.
Yes, the dew really enhanced these little gems along the creek.
At our church service, we hear the phrase "...let the Holy Spirit come down like the dewfall..."
I love that part.
Thanks for your nice reply.
Richarad
My older daughter, who does not have a green thumb, grew them for me in my garden last year. They were beautiful. I am missing them this year and your post of them has me longing to see their tiny little faces again. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteChristine
Christine:
ReplyDeleteYour oldest daughter and you will have to grow them again so your smiling faces can see their tiny little faces.
Thank you,
Richard