Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations or concerns of their personal lives, their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner contentment and to renewed excitement in living. Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.
~ Rachel Carson
(The Sense of Wonder)
Native to New England, swamp rose mallow grows along the salt pond near our beach and blooms from July to September. It is tall, reaching 4 to 7 feet high, and the lovely pink five-petal flowers are 4 to 7 inches wide. This sorrowful summer, when I’m in town, we go down to the beach nearly every day, sometimes twice a day. Enjoying the sight of these cheerful flowers en route helps me find those reserves of strength and healing Rachel Carson wrote about.
Dear Rachel Carson was right on so many fronts. I wish she wasn’t. It’s all coming true.
What amazes me is that in spite of all the harm we’ve caused there are still some beautiful places left on our little blue planet…
I love the “tender” pink color.
It is a very pleasing pink, I think! 🙂
The mallows are so pretty Barbara. Stay close to their healing properties, and all of nature, yours and Tim’s souls are in need of it. My love to you both. xxx
Thank you, Joanne, our souls are grateful for your friendship, love and moral support. Nature has so many healing gifts to offer, and so do friends!
We don’t see too many mallow around here. These are so soothing. Echoing Joanne’s blessing to you both…
Thank you for your blessing, too, Kathy. It’s amazing how much calmness and reassurance can be offered by a simple flower or friends on a summery day!
Hi Barbara. We used to have a domesticated mallow in our garden … I haven’t seen it for years. I love the papery-thin petals. Jane
The petals look so delicate and yet they don’t seem disturbed by wind or rain – or maybe they constantly send out new ones and I didn’t notice! 🙂
Hugs, Barbara. We have swamp rose mallow here, too, and I saw it for the first time a few weeks ago. It’s lovely, and I can see how it would heal the soul.
Thank you for the hugs, Robin. Haven’t been to the beach or walking much lately but I’ve been enjoying the lovely pictures you’ve been sharing of the natural beauty there at the Wabi-Sabi Ranch.
Love mallows, Barbara. Thanks for another lovely post! XO
You’re welcome, Diane! Hope I can do some more posting soon…