Plant Progress Post

First Real Blossom

Sunbathing

I couldn't resist.

Remember that branch I looked at on my morning walks?  I posted pics of its first bloom then showed you another pic of the flower "saying ahhhhhhh" in the sunshine.

Well, I've been continuing to follow its growth.  When insects were no longer needed to pollinate it, its petals--which had been used to attract them--fell off.  And leaves grew to soak up the moisture they needed.

That Flower

That "Bud" Now!

I saw the plant after rainfall, and even now, since it's getting chilly out, I've been taking my "early morning" walks at 9:30, but I see it then too.

Leaves are starting to change color.  I wondered what the Japanese Maple would look like when its leaves turned the bright crimson they're famous for, but they haven't begun changing yet.  I go with my camera to get a shot to brag about how beautiful the path is even in autumn, but it looks like I'll be waiting a few more weeks.

What has started turning red though, is that branch.  Maybe I should have waited a bit longer until it turned a truer, deeper red.  But I had to show you what it was looking like.

I wonder,  does God "get excited" as He watches over our growth: from infants to blossoming children....  to hurt with us as we are stripped of attractive confidences and learn to soak up His quenching in adversity...  then to a  fruitfulness and beauty acquired in no other way?

I wonder what this plant will look like in winter.