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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Thursday, June 21, 2018

So, What's Happening Here?

You may remember my posts (here and here)  about the demolition of the  Tacoma's Scottish Rite Masonic Cathedral. The fence was erected and the demolition carried out in short order of the sale and plans for a large apartment building announced.  Since November, the scar of the old building has remained on the fenced ground.  No sign of equipment or anything happening with the sight other than taggers going over or under the fence to express themselves on the remains of the foundation.  I drive by  this site at least twice a day and wonder what's happening.  Then just the other morning a flash of red caught my eye.


Somehow, perhaps from seed brought in with the fill gravel, seeds of Poppy somniferum got spread all over the site.

Flowers for the remains of  the old building?

Where do you think these seeds came from?  

Had they been somewhere on the sight waiting all these years to germinate? 

In any case, it's sweet to see the cheery bright red blooms.  Like the cathedral, they'll be plowed down to make space for the new  building.  A good reminder to savor beauty when we find it.






Today is the first official day of summer. Spring has gone way too fast. On this longest day, we revel in the arrival of summer.  Let's relish every moment and not even entertain the thought that starting tomorrow, the days begin to get shorter again. 
















14 comments:

  1. Seeing them in that location certainly suggests that most of us grow them in conditions that may be richer than they need. What a cheerful surprise.

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  2. In a world without people, how long before nature takes over again? For the poppies, mere months.

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  3. What a lovely surprise Mother Nature gifted you with. So much prettier than the weeds that turn up every time I disturb the soil in my own garden.

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  4. I like the idea that the poppy seeds have been there for years, just waiting for their opportunity to shine again. In any case, it's nice that they stepped into the breach while the city and the contractors dilly-dally.

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  5. Mother Nature is amazing. I love how the poppies just appeared out of nowhere to beautiful a barren space. Happy summer solstice!

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  6. Beautiful! Maybe guerilla gardeners?

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  7. A lovely summer solstice gift, worth dancing over!

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  8. That is fabulous--no matter what happened. It almost seems symbolic...like, "out of the ashes..." or some other meaning. Demolition and construction sites always seem depressing to me, especially considering loss of habitat. But sometimes the changed landscape brings surprising new beauty. Happy summer!

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  9. If you don't plant something, God will. :)

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  10. Those are lovely. I’d credit you, but no doubt you’ve been too busy.

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  11. What a colorful surprise! And to think I can't get them to grow in my garden. Maybe I am too nice to them.

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  12. That's wild, ok yes wild but very curious. So pretty to have them in the garden but a shame they don't bloom long.

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  13. Perhaps the poppies are a sign that this property must be turned into a public garden!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.