As alliums, irises and Oriental poppies have bid us farewell in New England, and daylilies have popped up lining roads and making for highlights to our gardens, I’m once again keenly reminded of the transient nature of plants. Perhaps as one gets older and time seems to “fly by”, our perception of flowers does as well.

While some blossoms appear to come and go in a more “relaxed” way, the somewhat ubiquitous orange daylilies, make for a splash almost overnight to simply vanish the next day. No wonder their name: daylilies. However, this is not to say they don’t offer more since new blossoms emerge on a single stem.

In contrast, poppies or Papavers, open more gradually, almost shyly. From buds to pink, white or golden, orange petals, in the case of California poppies, and finally to round seed pods with tiny black seeds ready to disperse with a breeze, they offer much to marvel at. (The somniferum poppy has even more to offer: opium). The difference between their delicate, transluscent papery petals to the sturdier, tighter pods is striking. Below are a few examples:

Here we have the round seed pod with s multi-pronged “star”. A maritime creature?

But back to alliums as I illustrated at the top. Appearing upon the scene before poppies make their entrance, come the majestic alliums on their tall, vertical stalks. (Below they can be seen as sentries on my garden path.) They make for a treat to photograph as they also persist in their architectural form. As a bonus, like hydrangeas they can be enjoyed in a dry vase for months.

An emerging bud, the size and perfect, round shape of a golf ball, appears enveloped in a type of cocoon. The allium, be it creamy white, pink or purple and of various sizes, sports tightly knit petals that later open like fireworks. (In fact, one of the varieties is named “Fireworks”.) In the photograph below the buds remind me of baby bird beaks ensconced in a nest. And, are we not also reminded of the peace symbol from the 60’s?

While quite sturdy, a strong pounding rain will render the flower top heavy as it bows down to the elements.

Finally, in terms of the beauty of floral life cycles come irises. Considered the “queen” of them all is the bearded iris. Its elegant buds lead to bright, exuberant flowers and finally, a rather disheveled but still striking demise.

Below, white ones can be seen in various stages. Fortunately, this one, called ‘Infinity’ makes a come-back in the fall. Its scent is quite heavenly too.

Flowers can be fun to play with too. Below, my grandson, Sydney, a couple of years ago.