Alpine Flowers

Mertensia Alpina is often called an Alpine Bluebell. I don't think it is a real bluebell but then I know just enough to be dangerous when it comes to mountain wildflowers.

"Ears laid back, then you get a bite, then you get a kick. And, they're all okay with that."

That's how J. educated me on conflict resolution inside the horse corral ~ right after Meg gave another horse a brutal kick. At first I was shocked, but I guess it's not terribly different from how people behave inside the workplace.
This is beat up on Kate week and I deserve every bite, kick or nasty phone call that comes my way. I'm catching up on all my overdue work though by 4 p.m. each afternoon Meg & I are ready to bust loose. That's when we trot off to inspect the meadow.
This low-lying area surrounded by sage-brush covered foothills, is a wildly blooming mass of alpine flowers that changes moods, with different color blooms, throughout the growing season.

The second the snow melts, one of my most beloved wildflowers - tiny Mertensia Alpina - pops out all over the place.
Sometimes the best ideas for our own gardens come from opening our eyes to the natural beauty that surrounds us.