The High Cascades and Lily Season
“Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.” – Hermann Buhl
If there is one thing I have been accused of over and over again in my life it’s that I can be a bit overconfident. I have always maintained that the Micheal Jordans, Simone Biles, Micheal Phelps of the world didn’t get to be who they are by thinking they were second best at anything. Of course you can put it into perspective that applies very well with this Mark Twain quote: "“It is strange the way the ignorant and inexperienced so often and so undeservedly succeed when the informed and the experienced fail. All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.”
The Erigonum’s were spectacular with huge specimens of E. umbellatum, E. compositum and E. ovalifolium in full bloom.
Regardless, the mountains can be a very humbling place. I have been spending as much time as possible in the mountains in between nursery work. This weekend it was to summit the 5959’ Bachelor Mountain in the Western Cascades. The wildflowers did not dissapoint. The Native American name for Mt. Jefferson was Seekseekqua. As far as my research shows it was called that by the warm spring tribes who had better access to it from the east side. It was considered one of Oregon’s most remote Mountains by the early explorers.
The Western Wallflower Erysimium capitatum at the summit of Bachelor Mountain with Seekseekqua (Mt. Jefferson) in the background
Back on the home front, The lilies are coming into full bloom now around the garden.
The Summer Bulb and Alpine Catalog is coming soon! I got the shade structure finished just in time for some 90 degree plus temperatures that always seem to usher in the bulb harvest season. Should be within the next week or two!
Stay tuned for an awesome list of plants to grace your gardens.
Cheers,
Mark