Some things in life don’t receive the recognition they deserve, like Pulsatilla plants. How many of you even know it exists and own one yourself? And among those that do have it, do they appreciate all its worth as I do?
Pasque flowers serve as a reliable indicator of spring.
Rain, snow or sunshine, the Pasque flower genus comprises approximately 40 plants that appear throughout the northern hemisphere. My home garden features purple, blue and two red varieties – I can never quite tell which is which as they all started from seed; my record system and memory have failed me! So instead I refer to them all by the common name “Pasque flower”, as this seems to indicate they will bloom on Easter, which they always do no matter their color, specific epithet name, weather condition or when Easter falls in spring.
And I love them. Like the Judd viburnums, they signal the true start of spring and are an indicator that I survived another winter. Today – Easter 23 – they’re out blooming, making me very happy indeed and I want to share this joyful event with everyone else!
As soon as I posted it online, I will officially retire the world’s only Pulsatilla joke from my talks – just like The Who did when they stopped touring in 1985 or 1987…
Here’s the scene: Pulsatilla begins as your adorable, innocent, cuddly and fuzzy-faced infant child and you want nothing more than to hold, cuddle and rub its cheek against yours.
Too soon, they become your tall, skinny teenager with strange locks.
Ba-da-bump. Pause for laughter. “Thanks all, it has been fantastic, see you next time and have an incredible Easter!”
