Wild Bergamot is an herbaceous, native, perennial in the Mint family. Indeed in this area, it is considered to be a quintessential Carolinian zone native, thriving beautifully in southwestern Ontario’s prairies, open woodlands, and laneways. It is a tough wildflower that plays a massive role in supporting local ecosystems.
The explosive, ragged, lavender-hued crown of July has transitioned into the stark, geometric seed honeycomb of October — a labyrinth of tiny, hidden chambers holding the promise of next year’s blossoms. It’s fascinating to me, that a single flower can hold two such completely distinct identities — a wild, celebratory summer nectar hub for bees and butterflies, and a quiet, structured work of art as the frost approaches.
The Summer Crown
A crown of lavender and ragged grace,
It rises high above the tangled green,
To claim the warmest corner of the space,
The proudest bloom the lane has ever seen.
The summer morning breaks in heavy heat,
As wings of gossamer and gold arrive;
The bumblebees salute its honeyed sweet,
And keep the sun-drenched canopy alive.
Through long and breathless afternoons it stands,
A feast of petals under open skies,
Unfolding softly to the wind’s commands,
A sanctuary built for butterflies.
But summer fades, and purple crowns must fall,
To leave a sculpted geometry behind;
A quiet, silver-whispering winter wall,
Where secret seeds of future summers hide.
With some artistic assistance from Gemini.
’Til next time, y’all…
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