It looks like we may get a little rain today. And we need rain to create a little slop; the sloppier the better, perfect growing conditions for Virginia bluebells, a.k.a. cowslip.
This second commonly used name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “cuslyppe,” or cow slop. Now, how aromatic sounding is that? Brings back memories of life on the farm. I’ve trudged through these kinds of places and as you might guess: you have to watch your step.
Bluebells flourish in low-lying damp locations and the well-fertilized soil of sloppy cow pastures.
This brings to mind an Ancient Greek axiom: "beauty can grow from a lowly root, fed by unpleasing things." Squalor. Or to modernize the notion: beauty is often found in the most unlikely places, all you have to do is be receptive. Or in this case, slop through the mud to find it.
- Photo taken at Ijams Nature Center
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