There’s a Gothic quality to the plant forms of the late Fall – especially on these days of dense fog. This time of the year before ice and snow destroy seed heads and snap stems, the deep browns and tans stand out, spectres of the effusive greens, yellows, purples and reds they were in the summer. In this state, plants assume a different voice in the wind, beyond the rustle of leaves so typical in the summer. Now, seed heads and pods rattle with gusts and the occasional snap of a stem punctuates a movement.
I’ve included photos of medicinal plants in their current manifestations. I believe that seeing the entire life cycle of a plant lends some deeper insights into its medicine and its function in the landscape. Being in New England too, this stage is also half of a yearly experience of plants and landscape. Embracing plants that can provide multiple levels of appreciation year round enriches the day-to-day experience of the world around us and honors the dynamism of our gardens.
