Visitor in the Garden

The rain and wind took turns destroying the flowers in our garden last Sunday in a siege not unlike a scene from The Wrestler.

The rock purslane (Calandrinia grandiflora) took a beating, but like Mickey Rourke, it will return. 

Last year the blossoms drew honey bees, native bees and hover flies--and, one spotted cucumber beetle.

The blossoms were simply gorgeous.  With the warmth of the morning sun, the magenta petals peeked open and then unfolded to the tune of Vivaldi's Spring. Or maybe it just seemed like it.

This is a perennial that welcomes all visitors. "When you're here, you're family." Roll out the magenta carpet. No guest list. No engraved invitation. No RSVP. 

And no gift for the hostess.

The visitors ARE the gift.