#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream

Swamp Milkweed

Swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnata, is named for the Greek god of medicine, Asklepios. Incarnata, is from the Latin carn, meaning flesh and atus, like, because its hue is sometimes like flesh or dusty rose in color.

As a tall herbaceous moisture-loving perennial, Swamp milkweed seeks sunny openings of swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, and open areas along stream banks and ditches. This robust and erect stemmed plant grows three to five feet high, and like its common milkweed cousin, exudes a milky juice when broken. . .

Excerpt from Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata L.), by Forest Russell Holmes

A long walk with Charlie along the river, then home to my desk, and no rush. No rush today. How nice. In the late afternoon, a shortish swim. I picked out some images for a new photo essay to submit on “Place.” After dinner, to the vegetable garden to water. The Special One is with me. The bunny hops across the yard but he doesn’t see it in time. Oh, the bugs! In our eyes and hair! Still, the vegetables need water. And my flower garden within the enclosure for the vegetables is in full bloom. the swamp milkweed is brightly blooming and tall and thriving well. The butterflies will come! We watered all the veggies and then I took the Special One to the outdoor shower, the favorite new place. The enclosure hasn’t arrived, and I actually don’t really want it. I love the open air shower and view to all the green grass and trees and flowers and shrubs. Tonight, my daughter and her boyfriend arrive to stay in their new digs for the first time. They have lots of privacy and I make sure to knock when I cross the house to say welcome and goodnight to them in their new space. What a gorgeous time of year this is to be here. I use up my whole huge story of nursery rhymes putting the Special One to sleep.