That time of year

The Puya -- sacred plant of the Andes -- is flowering.  At the tip of the flowers a drop of nectar so sweet.  Their jade flowers like wax. To come across a Puya is joyful.  
 

Puya

These terrestrial plants are yearly favorites.  They never fail to inspire me walking through a portal.  Hmm, puya portal! 

I respect stop signs.

I believe nature has imbedded invisible stop signs to say, "Slow down, stop, and see.  The natural details are abundant and will inspire you.  
 

Perhaps

this is the way a bee sees the Puya.  Any given afternoon from a bee's perspective, what would that be like?   

And one to grow on.

Isn't is special when you find a favorite plant growing in your neighborhood.  A plant that isn't a household name at least where I live.  Here's the Puya, and she has one stalk which will bloom sometime soon.  In bloom unmistakable with those jade blue waxy flowers.  Worthy of a daily pilgrimage.  When not blooming, not so spectacular unless you know what's coming.  Here, the Puya is a once-a-year bloomer.  

Unfolding

Puya (Mapuche Indian meaning "point"). Majestic towering bush.  The month of May & following into June is Puya season and I am always giddy & grateful.

Another month

and Puya persists although more coral-like in tone.  One could fall deliciously asleep in that cozy fuzziness.  Might try to this afternoon.  

 

To get up close to a Puya

is a delight for eye & spirit.  This plant sends me into rapture as does the Fuyu persimmon.  If our cats weren't already named (Freddy & Fritz), Puya and Fuyu might have worked nicely.  Thank goodness cats can have more than 9 nicknames.  

Unexpected and delighted

I'm gaga for Puya.  Puya raimondii, queen of the Andes.  I thought Bancroft Succulent Gardens had removed this plant, but nope there are two of these at Bancroft and lots more different puya in the garden.  Great time to visit Bancroft.  Yes, unexpected and delighted, like receiving an email from a childhood friend.  Hello there, Martha.  

I happened to be there

to witness the annual blooming of the Puya in SF's Arboretum.  Otherwordly and majestic bromeliads. Queen of the Andes. I came, I saw, I'm grateful.   

Right around Mother's Day

Puya!  She blooms once a year right around Mother's Day at Ruth Bancroft Gardens (& elsewhere). Terrestrial, otherworldly & undeniably gorgeous.  Did I mention huge.  Food for the eyes.  Lest we forget, beauty is a protein.  Build on it.  Every blue/green waxy petal is a haiku.