The delightful flowers of this hardy shrub are a sign of new life to come — or at least, that’s how I’m looking at it.
The thorns remind me that there will always be prickles, but the future is still beautiful and full of promise.
Brighter days are on the way.
I initially thought these were ferns, but they’re really clever impostors. Canadian lousewort, or wood betony, is found all over the East Coast in a wide range of habitats, although the ones shown here seemed quite happy in their cozy forest home.
Unlike ferns, lousewort produces flowers, which are apparently quite popular with pollinators. I heartily approve.