Flame on the Mountain

As I was driving down the parkway the other afternoon, I thought the mountain was on fire.


Alas, it was only the largest and fullest Flame Azalea I've ever seen. To give you a sense of scale, from the bottom of the blossoms to the ground is deer-grazing height (about 4.5 feet). And, now you know why it's called a "flame" azalea!


On the other side of the parkway, the Cardinal Flower were going full tilt boogie.


It's probably the most striking wildflower on the mountain.


The Mountain Ivy (Laurel) is now at it's peak.


And, Blackberries will be ready to pick before you know it.


Last summer's fire seems to have energized my patch down behind the ledge.

Now, here's a special treat for you: a Jack-in-the-Pulpit in full bloom.



This Lady Slipper appeared out of nowhere down under the ledge. Strange blossom, don't you think?


And, finally, the Indian Bloodroots with such delicate blossoms ...


... and the more brute-force Galax are also doing their flowering thing.


Last but not least, on the domesticated side of things, I would be amiss to not show you the first of the Siberian Irises.