Friday, March 22, 2024

Rocket Blooms: Redefining Columbine Flowers

Columbine flowers; blue with a white center

As I pull into our driveway or pass by on the street, I'm now greeted by a new burst of colors – columbine flower bushes standing tall against the blue hardy board siding of our bungalow. These vibrant blooms, which remind me of space rockets, hold a special significance for me, stemming from my first encounter with their sunny yellow variety at my previous 2010 starter home. I've planted three new bushes this week with the hope that they will grow and soften up the north side of our little home in a delightful array of red-yellow, purple-yellow, and blue-white hues.

Beyond their visual appeal, columbine flowers carry deeper meanings. In folklore, they symbolize love and union, believed by some to attract true love into one's life. What's remarkable about these blooms is their resilience – delicate yet hardy, they thrive in diverse climates, a testament to their adaptability and strength.

Though the word "columbine" may stir somber memories for some, tied to past tragedies, I'm choosing to redefine its significance. For me, these blooms represent beauty, adventure, and simple joys. As they stand proudly on the side of my house, adding a touch of color, they hopefully brighten not only our home but also the day of those who pass by.

Columbine flowers; purple with a yellow center

Columbine flowers; red with a yellow center

Side of a house showing three columbine blushes next to blue hardy board