The Lupines

We live in lupine country.  Wild native lupines dot the countryside from here to the Cascades.  There are a few different varieties of natives and all are lovely, in my opinion.  Paul has come in from his prairie each day to tell about more lupines coming up in different places.  

I planted some Russell lupines (a cultivated strain) in my flower garden.  They have done quite well and are blooming in profusion right now.  








 

But lupines have a habit of spreading themselves even where they weren't planted.  Take this one.  It just showed up in this bed one day.  I didn't plant it and it's not the same color as the Russell that's close to it so, I have no idea how it came to be there.  It certainly seems happy to be there though.  It is about 3 feet tall and gorgeous... but not perfect. 

It has put up one flower spike that is quite unusual.  It has 5 ends on it.  Everyone that I show it to just shakes a head in awe and wonder.  How in the world???

I am watching as the blossom opens and continues up each of the spikes.  It will be interesting when it's completely opened up.  Can't wait to see it.


 This lupine sort of reinforces a few life truths, I think.  
1)  Make the best of where you end up.
2)  You don't have to be perfect to be beautiful.